DDC History and Visioning

1997 Legislative Bills Passed

Washington’s 1997 legislature expanded supports and funding for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

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.

1970's Report on Institutions

A 1970-era Washington State planning report identifies deficiencies in institutional care and outlines a coordinated strategy to improve facilities, update laws, and expand community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.

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 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.

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.”

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.

1974 Memo on Institutions

A 1974 Washington State memo outlines the planning, data collection, and community coordination needed to shift services from large institutions to community-based programs for people with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and justice-involved youth.

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.

1976 Education for All

Together, these 1976 documents outline federal expectations, implementation steps, advocacy roles, and legislative context for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act as states prepared to ensure every child with a disability received a free, appropriate public education.

1978 Public Law 94-142

A 1978 review of P.L. 94-142 outlines the administrative responsibilities states assumed to implement special education services and protect children’s rights under the new federal law.

1979 Education for All Executive Summary on Progress

The inaugural Congressional report on P.L. 94-142 shows major early gains in providing special education services nationwide, alongside the challenges states faced as they built the systems needed to meet the law’s promise.

1979 Deinstitutionalization Lawsuit

A 1979 AFSCME complaint and accompanying federal guidelines reveal significant concerns about Rhode Island’s failure to provide required job protections for employees affected by deinstitutionalization, prompting calls for stronger state and federal enforcement.

1981 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

The 1981 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act changed Social Security disability rules in ways that made benefits harder to qualify for and reduced protections for people with disabilities — including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1982 Washington State Public Accommodations Law

Historic Events

A 1982 Washington State document outlines early requirements and guidance for disability access, reasonable accommodation, and nondiscrimination in public services and public spaces.

1983–1988 Assembly Legislative Accomplishments

A summary of Washington State legislation from 1983 to 1988 highlights major advances in education, employment, health care, and community supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.

1985 AFSCME Report on Deinstitutionalization

A 1985 AFSCME publication reprints investigative reporting on the dangers and systemic failures that accompanied rapid, under-resourced deinstitutionalization in Ohio, highlighting its impact on people with developmental disabilities.

1985: Expanding Preschool Access for Children with Disabilities

Historic Events

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.

1985 Victims of Change

A 1985 investigative series examines the human and system impacts of rapid deinstitutionalization when community supports and oversight were insufficient.

1985 Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Meeting

Minutes from a January 23, 1985 Council meeting capture key decisions and advocacy efforts related to Medicaid, special education, and state budget priorities affecting people with developmental disabilities.

1987-1988: From Institutions to Community Living

In 1987–1988, Washington State accelerated its shift from institutions to community living after federal decertification exposed serious failures in institutional care, leading to expanded community supports and new Residential Services Guidelines shaped with input from the Developmental Disabilities Council and people with lived experience.

1988 Values, Policies, and Practices: Closing the Gaps in Community Integration

1983-88 DD Legislation

A summary of Washington State legislation from 1983–1988 shows major advances in family support, employment, civil rights, and community services for people with developmental disabilities.

A 1988 paper explores the progress and remaining challenges of community integration for people with developmental disabilities, emphasizing values-based policy and meaningful inclusion.

1986–1988 Leadership Project Final Report

A 1986–1988 Leadership Project report documents efforts to strengthen local advocacy networks and build community leadership across Washington State.

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.

1990's