1980's

The 1980s were a decade of significant transition for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington State. Building on advocacy and reforms that began in the 1970s, this period saw increased attention to individual rights, accountability, and community-based supports. Federal and state policy changes influenced education, employment, and disability services, while growing scrutiny of institutional care accelerated efforts to move people into community settings. At the same time, self-advocacy and family voices became more visible and influential. Together, the developments of the 1980s reflect a shift from simply expanding services toward rethinking how systems could better support dignity, choice, and participation in community life.

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.

1980's

Policy

Issues

1981 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

The 1981 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act changed Social Security disability rules in ways that made benefits harder to qualify for and reduced protections for people with disabilities — including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1980's

Policy

Historic Events

1982 Washington State Public Accommodations Law

A 1982 Washington State document outlines early requirements and guidance for disability access, reasonable accommodation, and nondiscrimination in public services and public spaces.

1980's

Policy

1983–1988 Assembly Legislative Accomplishments

A summary of Washington State legislation from 1983 to 1988 highlights major advances in education, employment, health care, and community supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1980's

Policy

Historic Events

Issues

1984: Rights, Advocacy, and Putting People First

In the early 1980s, changes to federal disability policy strengthened self-advocacy, accountability, and people-first values, helping shift services toward individual rights, independence, and full participation in community life.

1980's

Issues

Policy

1985 AFSCME Report on Deinstitutionalization

A 1985 AFSCME publication reprints investigative reporting on the dangers and systemic failures that accompanied rapid, under-resourced deinstitutionalization in Ohio, highlighting its impact on people with developmental disabilities.

1980's

Policy

Historic Events

1985: Expanding Preschool Access for Children with Disabilities

By the mid-1980s, Washington State led the way in early childhood inclusion by expanding special education to preschoolers and strengthening early learning supports, helping establish early intervention as a foundation for inclusion and lifelong learning.

1980's

Issues

Policy

Values

1985 Victims of Change

A 1985 investigative series examines the human and system impacts of rapid deinstitutionalization when community supports and oversight were insufficient.

1980's

Policy

1985 Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Meeting

Minutes from a January 23, 1985 Council meeting capture key decisions and advocacy efforts related to Medicaid, special education, and state budget priorities affecting people with developmental disabilities.

1980's

Policy

Issues

1987-1988: From Institutions to Community Living

In 1987–1988, Washington State accelerated its shift from institutions to community living after federal decertification exposed serious failures in institutional care, leading to expanded community supports and new Residential Services Guidelines shaped with input from the Developmental Disabilities Council and people with lived experience.

1980's

Policy

1983-88 DD Legislation

A summary of Washington State legislation from 1983–1988 shows major advances in family support, employment, civil rights, and community services for people with developmental disabilities.

1980's

Policy

Issues

Values

1988 Values, Policies, and Practices: Closing the Gaps in Community Integration

A 1988 paper explores the progress and remaining challenges of community integration for people with developmental disabilities, emphasizing values-based policy and meaningful inclusion.

1980's

Policy

1986–1988 Leadership Project Final Report

A 1986–1988 Leadership Project report documents efforts to strengthen local advocacy networks and build community leadership across Washington State.

1980's

Historic Events

Policy

1988 Doran Decision

A 1988 court ruling challenged Washington State’s special education funding formula and emphasized the need for funding that reflects the true cost of serving students with disabilities.

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.

Issues

Policy

People

Before the DDC

1980's

Video Interview Diana Stadden

Diana reflects on decades of work in Washington’s disability community, sharing how listening to self-advocates and learning from people who experienced institutions helped drive progress toward true community inclusion.