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.

Between 2000 and 2003, Washington State consolidated cottages at its institutions as part of a phased shift toward community-based services following the Olmstead decision.

In 2003, Washington’s Family Support waitlist grew to approximately 8,000 families, highlighting rising demand for community services and laying the groundwork for today’s No Paid Services caseload.

In 2004 Washington State developed a plan to downsize and close Fircrest School, and in 2005 the phase-out was temporarily halted for legislative study amid statewide debate over institutional and community services.

In 2004-2010, Washington State updated bills to replace outdated terminology with “intellectual disability,” reflecting a broader shift toward respectful, person-centered language.

In 2005, Washington State created the Dan Thompson Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account to expand community-based supports.

In 2006, Washington State created the Autism Task Force to study service gaps and recommend improvements to supports for individuals with autism and their families.

In 2006, Washington implemented the Working Age Adult Policy to prioritize integrated, community-based employment as the primary service outcome for working-age adults with developmental disabilities.

In 2006, the Lance Morehouse Jr. Bill established the Individual and Family Services program in state law, consolidating multiple family support programs into a more unified system.

In 2007, Kevin’s Law ensured that students with disabilities could participate in graduation ceremonies with their peers while continuing to receive services and work toward a diploma.

In 2007, Washington strengthened and standardized training requirements for in-home care providers, improving quality and consistency in community-based services.

In 2008, Washington State established October as Disability History Month in public schools and required instruction that promotes awareness, understanding, and inclusion.

By 2009, siblings and grandparents serving as primary caregivers were increasingly recognized in policy and practice as eligible for respite and support services.

In 2009, Washington legislators directed the Office of Financial Management to study the feasibility of closing state institutions as part of ongoing system reform discussions.

In 2009, federal and state actions strengthened efforts to provide more equitable access to mental health services for children, reinforcing parity and Medicaid coverage requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Shawn Latham shares his perspective on disability advocacy and systems change. He talks about his own lived experience, his involvement with disability organizations, and what it has meant to be part of advocacy work over time.

In this interview, former Executive Director of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Ed Holen reflects on his 33 years with the Council, including 28 years as Executive Director

Ivanova Smith shares lived experience growing up in institutional and segregated systems, a journey through special education in Washington, and work advancing disability rights.

In this interview, Noah Seidel reflects on how growing up with a lifelong disability led him from campus advocacy at the University of Washington into statewide disability policy work. He discusses his role in advancing legislation, strengthening client rights protections, and building self-advocacy networks across Washington and beyond.

In this interview, Betty Schwieterman shares her perspective on advocacy, systems accountability, and the importance of listening to people with disabilities and their families. Drawing on decades of experience, Betty reflects on her work with the Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds at Disability Rights Washington, including responding to concerns, identifying system-wide issues, and helping improve services across the state.