History and Visioning

This section of the History and Visioning Project brings together historical documents, interviews, articles, and reflections that show how disability policy has developed and changed in Washington State over time. The materials highlight key decisions and advocacy efforts that influenced laws and systems affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, these resources provide context for how policy has evolved, whose voices shaped it, and how those choices continue to impact people and communities today.

1990's

Policy

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

Policy

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

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

Policy

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.

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.

1970's

Issues

Policy

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.

1970's

Policy

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.

1970's

Policy

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.

1970's

Issues

Policy

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.

1980's

Policy

Issues

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.

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

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.

1980's

Issues

Policy

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.

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.

1985 Victims of Change

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

1980's

Policy

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.

1980's

Policy

Issues

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.

1980's

Policy

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.

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

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

1980's

Policy

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: Bridging School and Work

In 1990, federal education laws began strengthening the connection between school and work by requiring transition planning and expanding job training and work-based learning opportunities for students, including those with disabilities.

1990 History of The Arc: A National Advocacy Timeline

This 1990 publication outlines major milestones in The Arc’s national advocacy efforts, reflecting decades of progress in civil rights, education, community living, and self-advocacy.

1990: Building Local Leadership Across Washington

In 1990, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council launched a Local Leadership model to build advocacy skills and strengthen community-based leadership statewide.

1990's

Historic Events

Policy

1990: Americans with Disabilities Act

Passed in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and supports equal access to work, services, and public spaces.

1992: County Guidelines adopted

In 1992, Washington State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (now DDCS) adopted the County Guidelines, establishing core values and responsibilities to support community inclusion, choice, and integrated employment for people with developmental disabilities.

1990's

Historic Events

Policy

1993: A Key Year for Community Living in Washington

In 1993, Washington State took concrete steps toward community living by deciding to close Interlake School and continuing to expand small, community-based homes to support people with developmental disabilities.

1995: Redirecting Savings to Community Services

In 1995, Washington passed Senate Bill 5800 to require that savings from changes in the developmental disabilities program be reinvested in community-based services for people with developmental disabilities.

1990's

Policy

Issues

1998: Choice in Services

In 1998, Senate Bill 6751 affirmed Washington’s commitment to choice in living and service options for people with developmental disabilities and began a strategic planning process to assess and improve services statewide.

1990's

Issues

Policy

1999: The Olmstead Decision

In 1999, a Supreme Court decision called Olmstead v. L.C. confirmed that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in their communities instead of institutions when appropriate.

1999: Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund

In 1999, Senate Bill 5693 created a public-private Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund in Washington to combine state and private contributions and help support lifelong care and planning for people with developmental disabilities.

1990's

Issues

Policy

1999 DDC Packet - May

This agenda outlines the May 21, 1999 meeting of the Developmental Disabilities Council’s Planning & Public Policy Committee, covering legislative updates, budget review, policy decisions, and preparation for upcoming Council work.

2000's

Policy

2000–2003 Cottage Consolidation at Washington State Institutions

Between 2000 and 2003, Washington State consolidated cottages at its institutions as part of a phased shift toward community-based services following the Olmstead decision.

2000's

Issues

Policy

2003 Rise of the No Paid Services Caseload

In 2003, Washington’s Family Support waitlist grew to approximately 8,000 families, highlighting rising demand for community services and laying the groundwork for today’s No Paid Services caseload.

2000's

Policy

Issues

2004: Preliminary Transition Plan to Downsize Fircrest School

In 2004 Washington State developed a plan to downsize and close Fircrest School, and in 2005 the phase-out was temporarily halted for legislative study amid statewide debate over institutional and community services.

2005: Dan Thompson Memorial Account Established

In 2005, Washington State created the Dan Thompson Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account to expand community-based supports.

2006: Creation of the Washington State Autism Task Force

In 2006, Washington State created the Autism Task Force to study service gaps and recommend improvements to supports for individuals with autism and their families.

2000's

Policy

Issues

2006: The Working Age Adult Policy (WAAP) is Implemented

In 2006, Washington implemented the Working Age Adult Policy to prioritize integrated, community-based employment as the primary service outcome for working-age adults with developmental disabilities.

2000's

People

Policy

2006 Lance Morehouse Jr. Bill, IFS Program Established in State Law

In 2006, the Lance Morehouse Jr. Bill established the Individual and Family Services program in state law, consolidating multiple family support programs into a more unified system.

2000's

Policy

2007 Kevin’s Law — Graduation Participation for Students with Disabilities

In 2007, Kevin’s Law ensured that students with disabilities could participate in graduation ceremonies with their peers while continuing to receive services and work toward a diploma.

2000's

Policy

Issues

2007: Training Standards for In-Home Care Providers

In 2007, Washington strengthened and standardized training requirements for in-home care providers, improving quality and consistency in community-based services.

2008: Establishment of Disability History Month in Washington State

In 2008, Washington State established October as Disability History Month in public schools and required instruction that promotes awareness, understanding, and inclusion.

2000's

People

Policy

2009 Recognizing Siblings and Grandparents as Caregivers

By 2009, siblings and grandparents serving as primary caregivers were increasingly recognized in policy and practice as eligible for respite and support services.

2009: Modernizing Disability Language in State Law

In 2009, Washington State began updating its statutes to replace outdated terminology with “intellectual disability,” reflecting a broader shift toward respectful, person-centered language.

2000's

Policy

Values

2009 Study of Institutional Closures

In 2009, Washington legislators directed the Office of Financial Management to study the feasibility of closing state institutions as part of ongoing system reform discussions.

2000's

Policy

Issues

2009 Expanding Access to Children’s Mental Health Services

In 2009, federal and state actions strengthened efforts to provide more equitable access to mental health services for children, reinforcing parity and Medicaid coverage requirements.

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.

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.

Video Interview - Shawn Latham

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.

Video Interview - Ivanova Smith

Ivanova Smith shares lived experience growing up in institutional and segregated systems, a journey through special education in Washington, and work advancing disability rights.

Video Interview - Noah Seidel

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.

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