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.

A 2020 report from the Ruckelshaus Center examined the future of Washington’s IDD service system, highlighting urgent challenges and the need for more coordinated, community-based supports.

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.

A 2022 law strengthened coordination, planning, and access to transition services for students with developmental disabilities moving from school to adult life.

A 2022 law removed IQ score requirements for DDCS eligibility, shifting to a more individualized assessment based on functional needs.

In 2023, Washington invested in housing for people with developmental disabilities and created a more accessible process for funding these projects.

In 2024, Washington shifted the burden of proof in most special education due process hearings to school districts, aiming to improve fairness and accountability.

In 2024, Washington passed the “Nothing About Us Without Us Act,” requiring people with lived experience to be included in policymaking groups that affect them.

In 2024, Washington passed legislation to preserve historical records from Lakeland Village, recognizing the importance of documenting the state’s disability history.

In 2025, Washington extended special education services through the end of the school year in which a student turns 22, improving continuity and transition planning.

In 2025, Washington increased special education funding by removing the enrollment cap and raising the funding multiplier for students with disabilities.

In 2025, Washington limited new admissions to Rainier School as part of a plan to close the facility and transition residents to other settings.

In 2025, DSHS reorganized developmental disability services under the name Developmental Disabilities and Community Services (DDCS), reflecting a focus on community-based supports.

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.

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.