After decades of dedicated service in the developmental disabilities field, Theresa Martin describes her time on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council as one of the most meaningful experiences of her professional journey. Serving as the agency representative for Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS), Theresa brought with her nearly 30 years of experience—and left with renewed inspiration, lifelong connections, and a deep appreciation for collaborative advocacy.
“Being a Council member was truly one of the highlights of my career that began 27 years ago,” Theresa said, looking back on how far she’s come. “At the time, I had graduated from college and just needed a job. I was hired as a direct support professional, and it changed my life.” That early job sparked a passion for social justice and individual rights that would guide her for decades to come. “I quickly learned that I wanted to spend the rest of my career fighting for individuals’ rights and social justice,” she added. Since then, she has held a variety of leadership roles in the field, always centering her work around the people she serves.
Theresa was honored when her predecessor nominated her to serve on the Council. Even with all her experience, stepping into that space came with a few nerves. “I was nervous about attending the first meeting; not knowing what to expect,” she admitted. “What I walked into was a group of amazing, kind, and passionate people made up of individuals with lived experience, family members, Council staff, and people from other state agencies coming together with a shared mission.”
What struck Theresa most was the Council’s forward-thinking, solution-focused energy. “It wasn’t about complaining about what’s not working,” she said. “The focus was on what the Council could do to impact real change.” That spirit of collective action left a lasting impression. “I left every meeting feeling inspired and excited to share what I’d learned with my agency leadership.”
Among the many powerful moments during her service, Theresa says what stood out most was witnessing the leadership and growth of self-advocates on the Council. “If I had to pick one highlight from my experience, it would be gaining inspiration from Council members with lived experience taking on leadership roles and seeing their confidence build and their advocacy voices getting stronger over time,” she said.
Theresa’s time with the Council reaffirmed her belief in the power of inclusive leadership and shared purpose. As she concludes this chapter of her career, she leaves with deep appreciation: “Thank you, Council members! I’ll treasure the time I spent with you forever.”
