1970's

The 1970s marked a turning point in disability advocacy and public policy in Washington State. During this decade, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and advocates increasingly challenged institutional care, exclusion from schools and communities, and the lack of individual rights. National civil rights movements, federal legislation, and growing public awareness helped push disability issues into broader conversations about equity and access. In Washington, these shifts led to early reforms in education, services, and oversight, and laid the foundation for more organized advocacy and systems change. The developments of the 1970s directly shaped the conditions that led to the creation of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council in 1976 and set the direction for decades of progress that followed.

Before the DDC

People

Issues

1970's

1980's

1945-2025: Self-Advocate Mike Raymond's Story

Mike Raymond’s journey from life inside Rainier School to becoming one of Washington’s most influential self-advocates helped shape the state’s disability rights movement and continues to guide efforts toward community-based supports today.

1970's

Policy

1970's Report on Institutions

A 1970-era Washington State planning report identifies deficiencies in institutional care and outlines a coordinated strategy to improve facilities, update laws, and expand community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.

1970's

Historic Events

Policy

Values

1970 - The DD Act

Through the DD Act, the federal government established DD Councils and a national network dedicated to strengthening disability rights, promoting community living, and ensuring that people with developmental disabilities guide decisions that affect their lives.

1970's

Policy

Before the DDC

1970's No Paid Services Caseload

State officials in 1970 discuss the large number of unserved children with disabilities in Washington and propose a meeting to identify the scope of the issue, current gaps, and possible solutions.

1970's

Before the DDC

Policy

1971 Proposed Legislation Education for All

This document explains Washington’s early efforts in 1970–71 to expand educational services for children with disabilities, including new requirements for school districts, guidance for identifying and serving students, and advocacy efforts under “Education for All.”

1970's

Policy

Before the DDC

1971 OSPI Steering Committee

These minutes outline a 1971 Steering Committee meeting focused on organizing Washington’s implementation of mandatory education for children with disabilities and establishing the ad hoc committees needed to guide policy, eligibility, program standards, and oversight.

1970's

1973 Report on Deinstitutionalization

A 1973 Maryland report lays out a financial and programmatic plan for replacing large institutions with a statewide network of community-based services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1970's

Policy

1974 Memo on Institutions

A 1974 Washington State memo outlines the planning, data collection, and community coordination needed to shift services from large institutions to community-based programs for people with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and justice-involved youth.

1970's

Before the DDC

Policy

1975 Education for All Public Law

This document provides congressional history, committee explanations, and statutory language related to federal legislation on the education of children with disabilities, detailing the intent, requirements, and protections included in the law.

1970's

Issues

1976 Editorial on Special Education

This 1976 article describes how special education programs in Washington pioneered accountability systems—using clear goals, measurable objectives, and progress tracking—that later influenced broader public school practices.

1970's

Issues

Policy

1976 Education for All

Together, these 1976 documents outline federal expectations, implementation steps, advocacy roles, and legislative context for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act as states prepared to ensure every child with a disability received a free, appropriate public education.

1970's

Historic Events

1976 Original Executive Order Establishing Council

Washington’s governor formally established the state’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council in 1976, defining its membership, responsibilities, and federal compliance requirements under Public Law 94-103.

1970's

Historic Events

Projects

1977: Specialized Training Program at the University of Oregon

The Specialized Training Program at the University of Oregon helped expand access to meaningful work and shaped a generation of leaders who built lasting disability services in Washington State.

1970's

Policy

1978 Public Law 94-142

A 1978 review of P.L. 94-142 outlines the administrative responsibilities states assumed to implement special education services and protect children’s rights under the new federal law.

1970's

Policy

1979 Education for All Executive Summary on Progress

The inaugural Congressional report on P.L. 94-142 shows major early gains in providing special education services nationwide, alongside the challenges states faced as they built the systems needed to meet the law’s promise.

1970's

Issues

Policy

1979 Deinstitutionalization Lawsuit

A 1979 AFSCME complaint and accompanying federal guidelines reveal significant concerns about Rhode Island’s failure to provide required job protections for employees affected by deinstitutionalization, prompting calls for stronger state and federal enforcement.

1970's

1980's

1990's

2000's

2010's

1970-2000 National DD Council History

A timeline from ITACC traces how the DD Act evolved from 1970 to 2000 into a comprehensive civil rights and community-living framework centered on inclusion, self-determination, and strong advocacy roles for DD Councils.

People

1970's

1980's

1990's

2000's

Video Interview - Robert Wardell

Robert Wardell recounts his experience living in two of Washington State's residential habilitation centers (also known as RHC's or institutions) and his journey to living in the community. He also shares some tips for advocacy and his hope for future IDD advocates.