The Developmental Disabilities Councils were created through the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), first enacted in 1970 and strengthened through major amendments in the decades that followed. Early laws established State Planning Councils, expanded the definition of developmental disabilities, and required states to develop long-range plans that increased community living options and reduced reliance on institutions. Amendments in the 1980s and 1990s increased the independence of Councils and emphasized core values such as inclusion, self-determination, cultural competency, and systems-change work. These updates also required that at least 60% of Council members be people with developmental disabilities or family members, ensuring that Council priorities and decisions are guided by lived experience. The DD Act of 2000 reaffirmed these commitments, added new areas of emphasis, and strengthened expectations for leadership development, advocacy support, and meaningful participation of people with disabilities in shaping public policy nationwide.

The DD Act also created the national Developmental Disabilities Network, made up of three federally authorized programs: Developmental Disabilities Councils (56 nationwide), Protection and Advocacy systems (57 nationwide), and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (68 nationwide). Working together, these programs protect rights, support advocacy, increase community inclusion, and improve services for people with developmental disabilities. In Washington State, the DD Network includes the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC), the University of Washington UCEDD, and Disability Rights Washington, with Allies in Advocacy recognized as a fourth partner. The DDC also collaborates closely with self-advocacy organizations—including Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) and People First of Washington—and with statewide partners such as The Arc of Washington to advance disability rights and strengthen community-led advocacy across the state.

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