Why Are We Doing This?
The Washington State Legislature has issued a call to action: Bring people together to build a long-term plan that will transform and shape the future of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
To do this, our goal is to:
1. Work with people with lived experience and decision makers.
2. Identify how to reduce the need for large institutional care settings.
3. Make community-based services easier to find and use.
4. Improve service access and opportunity.
5. Find out what is needed to strengthen services, supports, and the workforce.
In this short video, hear an introduction about A Path Forward and why community input matters. You can also learn how your experiences can help shape the future of services and supports and how to participate in the survey:
Goals for Success
People Feel Heard
People have opportunities to share ideas experiences.
People Shape the Plan
The plan reflects what people say.
People Support the Plan
The plan reflects community priorities.
Create an Actionable Plan:
Provide legislators with community priorities for necessary policy and funding decisions.
Project Timeline
Plan: Information Gathering
October 2026: Web Surveys
October 2026: Focus Groups
Develop: Strategic Plan
January 2027: Draft strategic plan is complete.
Finalize: Plan with Feedback
May 14, 2027: Submit strategic plan to Governor's Office.
June 30, 2027: Submit strategic plan to the Legislature.
Community Steering Committee
A group of people with lived/living experience and advocates are participating in the steering committee. The committee is assisting with the design of the outreach plan and helping us connect with community members. They will help ensure the community is included, heard, and reflected in the plan. Their input and guidance will help create a plan the community can support.
Committee Members are:
Shawn Latham: Self-advocate
Stacy Dym: Executive Director - Arc of Washington and family member
Aaron Dickson: Executive Director - Community Employment Alliance and family connections
Tracie Hoppis – WA state P2P and Parent
Amal Grabinski: Chief Impact Officer - PROVAIL
Malissa Shaughnessy: Developmental Disabilities Manager - Pierce County
John Lemus: Advocacy manager AtWork and former recipient of DDA Services
Ayan Elmi: Civic Engagement & Advocacy Coordinator - Washington Multicultural Services Link, parent and sibling of 2 individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs
Betty Schweiterman: Director DD Ombuds
Brandi Monts: Executive Director – Developmental Disabilities Council
Darla Helt: Executive Director - PEACE Health NW
Lance Morehouse: Chief Executive Officer - Sherwood Community Services and family member