DDC Announces Grantees for Three Statewide Advocacy Programs

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is pleased to announce the selection of grantees for three programs that support statewide advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The programs were awarded through a competitive solicitation process to support the goals of the DDC's 2027–2031 State Plan, with work beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

Foothill Partners has been selected to support the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition (DD-CAC), and The Arc of Washington State has been selected to support the Legislative Engagement, Information & Tools (LEIT) and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) programs.

Each program plays a different role in strengthening advocacy across Washington. Together, they help people access legislative information and advocacy tools, bring organizations together to coordinate legislative priorities, and support self-advocates in building leadership skills and participating in public policy.

Foothill Partners Selected as Grantee for Community Advocacy Coalition

The DDC is pleased to announce Foothill Partners as the grantee to support the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition (DD-CAC).

The DD-CAC brings together over 50 organizations from across Washington to share information, collaborate on issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and coordinate legislative priorities. By working together, coalition members bring their collective knowledge, relationships and lived experience to decisions that affect people with disabilities and their families.

About Foothill Partners

Based in Olympia, Foothill Partners specializes in facilitation, coaching, coalition coordination and organizational change. The organization helps groups build on their strengths, strengthen partnerships, identify shared priorities and turn ideas into action. Sue and Todd Mountin bring professional experience alongside lived experience as parents and volunteers in Washington’s developmental disabilities community.

As the DD-CAC grantee, Foothill Partners will provide coordination, facilitation and support to help coalition members work together effectively. This includes supporting member engagement, communication, leadership development and the creation of a community-driven policy agenda.

Through this funding, the DDC is supporting the DD-CAC's continued work to build partnerships, expand participation and strengthen community advocacy across Washington.

Learn more about the Community Advocacy Coalition and Foothill Partners.

The Arc of Washington State Selected as Grantee for LEIT Program

The DDC is pleased to announce The Arc of Washington State as the grantee for the Legislative Engagement, Information & Tools (LEIT) Program.

The LEIT program helps people with developmental disabilities and their families understand public policy issues, access legislative information and advocacy tools, engage with lawmakers and make their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. The program also focuses on making these resources more accessible, supporting meaningful participation in Washington's legislative process and informing legislators about issues that impact the developmental disabilities community.

About The Arc of Washington State

The Arc of Washington State is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and full participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through the LEIT program, The Arc of Washington State will help people with developmental disabilities and their families across the state access information, develop advocacy skills and participate in the legislative process.

This work supports the DDC's commitment to community-driven advocacy, protecting the rights of people with developmental disabilities and making sure their experiences and perspectives help inform public policy.

Learn more about the LEIT Program and The Arc of Washington State.

The Arc of Washington State Selected as Grantee for Self Advocates in Leadership

The DDC is pleased to announce The Arc of Washington State as the grantee for the Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) program.

SAIL is a statewide, self-advocate led program that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in building leadership skills, speaking up about issues that matter to them and participating in Washington's public policy process.

SAIL members work together to identify priorities, share information and advocate for changes that improve the lives of people with IDD. The program provides opportunities for self-advocates to learn about government, connect with other advocates and share their experiences with policymakers.

About The Arc of Washington State

The Arc of Washington State is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights and promoting the full inclusion of people with IDD. As the SAIL grantee, The Arc will support the program's operations, leadership development and advocacy activities while working alongside SAIL members and leadership. SAIL members will continue to guide the program's priorities and direction, keeping self-advocacy at the center of its work.

Through this funding, the DDC is investing in opportunities for people with IDD to lead, advocate and help shape a more inclusive Washington.

Learn more about Self Advocates in Leadership and The Arc of Washington State.

What can the community expect to receive from each program?

How the Three Programs Work Together

Learn how LEIT, DD-CAC and SAIL each support statewide advocacy, how the DDC is involved and how community members can participate. Explore the overview below to see how these programs work together to strengthen advocacy across Washington.

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