King County’s annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum, hosted by the Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports (DDECSD), is marking its 31st year! Join us on Monday, November 23, 2020, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. for this community conversation.
On this special evening we’ll hear stories from community members and present King County’s related legislative priorities that will help all people live full, integrated and productive lives. Last year, we hosted close to 600 community members at this event and welcomed 30 state legislators.
King County’s legislative priorities for 2021 include:
- Preserve and Protect the Safety Net for Individuals with Disabilities Across Their Lifespan
King County is recommending the following actions:
- Maintain current eligibility criteria for state Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) paid services to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) continue to access Medicaid State Plan and Waiver services including employment, community inclusion, respite, personal care, and residential services.
- Maintain interpreter services provided by the State Health Care Authority, including video interpretation services to ensure effective delivery of essential services.
- Invest in Employment and Housing for People with Disabilities to Support Economic Recovery
King County is recommending the following actions:
- Protect employment funding and ensure all state DDA eligible students leaving high school in 2021-2023 are added to the Basic Plus Waiver in order to receive employment and other needed services.
- Increase the supply of affordable housing, including housing for individuals with I/DD and their families, through investments that include $250 million for the Housing Trust Fund.
In recognition of the limitations imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time ever, this year’s forum will be presented in a virtual format. Our virtual doors will open at 6:30 P.M. for gathering and technical assistance, with the program scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M. with opening remarks by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
Your presence is important! We hope to see you there.
Register now for your link to the forum at Eventbrite!
Additional information is available on the DDECSD webpage.