This week! Join us for the 33rd annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum

A visual with a photo of a happy young person and the text "33rd Annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum A Virtual Community Conversation."

On Thursday, King County Department of Community and Human Serivices Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports (DDECSD) division is hosting the annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum.  

If you haven’t already registered, go here! The virtual event is on Join us on Thursday, November 17, from 7 to 8:30 pm.    

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.  

2023 Legislative Priorities 

King County’s developmental disabilities and delays legislative priorities for 2023 include: 

  1. Increase funding for services that are linguistically accessible and culturally relevant.  
  1. Fund the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Employment and Day Rate Study recommendations, which includes increasing rates to stabilize provider networks to ensure community members access to services and increasing the county administration rate 
  1. Improve access and eliminate barriers to quality supports and services for families with young children (0-5) with delays and disabilities.  
  1. Fund services for students leaving high school.  
  1. Invest in the Housing Trust Fund and other revenue sources to support community-based housing solutions.  
  1. Invest in I/DD behavioral health supports

Forum Agenda 

The forum is a virtual event.  This year, we are offering an opportunity for constituents and legislators to connect for virtual table discussions, organized by district.  

6:00 – 6:15 P.M. Virtual Doors and Technical Assistance 
6:15 – 6:45 P.M. Virtual table discussions for community members with legislators, by district 
6:45 – 7:00 P.M. Technical Assistance/ Break 
7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Legislative Forum Program, including: 
Opening remarks by King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Chief Equity Inclusion Officer Anita Whitfield.  Perspectives of Legislators, Congressmembers, and King County Councilmembers Personal stories 

Register Today! 

Community presence is important! Registration is required to attend, so please register today at InEvent, a multilingual registration page.  Additional information is available on the DDECSD webpage.