Share your voice!

The Washington State Legislature has asked people to come together to create a long-term plan for the future of services and supports. This project will listen to community experiences, identify priorities, and help shape the plan.

In order to do this, their goal is to:

1. Work with people with lived experience and decision makers.
2. Identify how to reduce the need for large institutional care settings.
3. Make community-based services easier to find and use. .
4. Improve service access and opportunity.
5. Find out what is needed to strengthen services, supports, and the workforce.

It’s important to share your thoughts and ideas, and DSHS has a few ways for you to do that.

Online Survey

One way you can participate is through their online survey which can be accessed on their website. The survey is short and will be available until Oct. 30, 2026.

If you would like support to complete the survey, please visit your local DDA office or join a Zoom support meeting (see below for information on joining the Zoom support meeting). You can also email APathForward@dshs.wa.gov, shelly.brubaker@berrydunn.com or John.Bermudez@berrydunn.com. 

Zoom support for the online survey

Zoom rooms will be open October 26 - October 30 from 10 a.m. - noon and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

Please join at: https://dshs-telehealth.zoom.us/j/81395998335?pwd=CV1O6dcB0bCF9vCaCwjjKBnwlXo5N4.1

Meeting ID: 813 9599 8335 Passcode: 290358

Focus Groups

There will also be several focus groups in communities throughout the state. This is an in-person opportunity to tell DSHS what is working, what needs to change, and what should happen first. Registration is required and space is limited.

View the focus group flyer

Stay Up to Date

There are a few ways you can learn more and stay up to date with all of the latest news and updates about A Path Forward. Visit the A Path Forward webpage to view all of the dates and location for the focus groups and to register. They have also created a video introduction about A Path Forward and why community input matters. The video also covers how your experiences can help shape the future of services and supports and how to participate in the survey. You can also join the GovDelivery email list to receive email updates from DSHS about this project.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about A Path Forward, you can reach out to them by email at APathForward@dshs.wa.gov.

Visit the A Path Forward webpage