Historic Events

This section of the History and Visioning Project highlights key historical events that influenced disability advocacy, policy, and systems change in Washington State. These events mark moments when important decisions were made, public attention shifted, or new directions emerged for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, they help show how specific points in time shaped the progress, challenges, and opportunities that continue to affect people with IDD 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

Historic Events

Policy

Values

1970 - The DD Act

Through the DD Act, the federal government established DD Councils and a national network dedicated to strengthening disability rights, promoting community living, and ensuring that people with developmental disabilities guide decisions that affect their lives.

1970's

Historic Events

1976 Original Executive Order Establishing Council

Washington’s governor formally established the state’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council in 1976, defining its membership, responsibilities, and federal compliance requirements under Public Law 94-103.

1970's

Historic Events

Projects

1977: Specialized Training Program at the University of Oregon

The Specialized Training Program at the University of Oregon helped expand access to meaningful work and shaped a generation of leaders who built lasting disability services in Washington State.

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

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

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

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.