History and Visioning

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) has a long and proud history of advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities and their families. This timeline highlights key milestones, influential people, and pivotal moments that have shaped the Council’s work and vision over the years. From advocacy led by self-advocates and families to legislative achievements, community partnerships, and systems change efforts, each entry reflects how people, ideas, and collective action have helped move Washington toward stronger, more inclusive communities.

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.

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.

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 - 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

DDC History and Visioning

50 Years of Advocacy

History and Visioning

DDC Through the Decades

DDC by Category

History and Visioning Timeline