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.

In 2011, Washington shifted Adult Day Health services out of the developmental disabilities system as part of broader reforms prioritizing employment and community-based supports

In 2011, Washington State passed SB 5459, ending placement of children under 21 in residential habilitation centers and reinforcing a shift toward community-based care.

In 2012, Washington established Employment First, prioritizing integrated employment.

In 2013, Washington required schools to notify parents when restraint or seclusion is used.

In 2014, Washington State passed SB 6387 to modernize how home and community-based services are delivered for people with developmental disabilities.

Federal findings at Lakeland Village exposed serious gaps in care and led to corrective action and increased oversight.

Since 2014, DDCS’s guiding values have increasingly centered inclusion, choice, and community-based support.

In 2015, Washington strengthened transition planning in special education, requiring earlier and more individualized preparation for life after high school.

In 2016, Washington required providers to give families evidence-based information and resources following a Down syndrome diagnosis.

In 2018, Washington created a Language Access Workgroup to improve how schools support and communicate with families who have limited English proficiency.

In 2019, Washington reinforced access to healthcare for working people with disabilities by ensuring eligibility for the HWD program is not denied based on income or age.

In 2019, Washington recognized supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, emphasizing autonomy and support over substituted decision-making.

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.

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.