Capitol building in Washington DC with cloudy sky in background
Capitol building in Washington DC during the 2024 Disability Policy Seminar

DDC Public Policy Updates and Events

2026 Session Update Video Playlist
Public Policy

What is the Legislative Cutoff Calendar - and Why it Matters

February 18, 2026

The Legislative Cutoff Calendar helps track when bills must move through each step of the lawmaking process — and why timing matters for advocacy. With the House of Origin Cutoff now here, bills are moving quickly to the next stage, making this an important moment to stay engaged and speak up.

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Public Policy

How a Bill Becomes a Law and Update for the Week of Feb. 17

February 17, 2026

Bills are currently in the final legislative stages — waiting in the Rules Committee, moving to floor votes, or crossing to the opposite chamber — and the overview below explains how each step fits into the full process of how a bill becomes law.

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Public Policy

Easy Ways to Connect with Your Legislators

February 11, 2026

Learn easy ways to connect with your legislators and share your voice on issues that impact the IDD community, including calling, emailing, commenting on bills, and meeting with elected officials.

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Public Policy

Protect Our Right to Community Living - Advocacy Day January 21st, 2026

January 23, 2026

On January 21, 2026, advocates, self-advocates, families, and partners gathered in Olympia for Advocacy Day: Protect Our Right to Community Living. The day included conversations about issues that affect daily life in the community, a rally, and opportunities for participants to share why services like Medicaid matter.

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Public Policy

2026 Legislative Session Begins

January 8, 2026

The 2026 Legislative Session is underway, with budget decisions focused on maintaining existing supports for people with IDD and opportunities for advocates to take action by sharing their voices with legislators.

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Public Policy

Council Approves 2026 Legislative Priorities

October 27, 2025

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has approved its legislative priorities for 2026 after a multistep review process over the spring and summer. At the October meeting, Council members also recorded a video highlighting the priorities and why they matter.

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Public Policy

Community Advocacy Coalition 2025 Annual Planning Retreat

July 30, 2025

The Developmental Disability Community Advocacy Coalition recently held an in-person planning retreat, bringing together about 50 advocates from across Washington State. The day focused on reflection, collaboration, and visioning for the future of our collective work.

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Public Policy

Shaping Our 2026 Legislative Priorities: Council Members Lead the Way

July 3, 2025

Council members are developing the 2026 Legislative Priorities for the Washington State DD Council. Guided by six core values, they’ve identified top concerns affecting people with IDD—like caregiver shortages, employment, and access to services. Learn what’s next.

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Public Policy

Summer is the Perfect Time to Connect with Your Legislators!

June 9, 2025

Summer is a great time to connect with your legislators—schedules are more open, and they're back in their local districts. In this short article, Emily Rogers, WADDC Director of Public Policy, shares five reasons to reach out now and offers support if you need help getting started.

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Public Policy

2025 Session Wrap Up - May 5th, 2025

May 5, 2025

Join DDC Public Policy Director Emily Rogers for a wrap up of the 2025 Legislative session.

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Public Policy

2025 Legislative Priorities Video from the Washington State DD Council 

April 15, 2025

Get a clear overview of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council’s 2025 Legislative Priorities in this short, engaging video.

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