Before the DDC

This section of the History and Visioning Project focuses on the period before the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council was formed in April 1976. It highlights the ideas, advocacy efforts, and early changes in law, services, and public awareness that helped lay the groundwork for the Council’s creation. Together, these entries show how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and advocates began challenging institutional systems and pushing for rights, inclusion, and community-based supports—setting the stage for the DDC’s formation and long-term impact.

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.

Before the DDC

Historic Events

1957 Letter on ARC's Non-Profit Status

A 1957 IRS ruling confirms The ARC of Washington’s federal tax-exempt status and outlines the benefits, limitations, and reporting requirements tied to its 501(c)(3) designation.

Before the DDC

Historic Events

Issues

People

Policy

1960s: Exposing the Abuse of Civil Rights

In the 1960s, national exposure of civil rights abuses in institutions—including Willowbrook, Pennhurst, and the documentation in Christmas in Purgatory—helped launch the modern disability rights movement.

Before the DDC

Historic Events

People

1960’s The Roots of the People First Movement

The People First movement began in the late 1960s when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities organized to speak for themselves, shaping a powerful self-advocacy movement that emphasized choice, leadership, and the belief that people are more important than labels.

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

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.

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.