Board for Developmental Disabilities & Committee Information

The 15-member Board for Developmental Disabilities advises King County on community services for children with developmental delays, adults with developmental disabilities, and their families. The board develops plans, advises on funding priorities, and advocates for increases in funding and improvements in services. Board members include family advocates, self-advocates, professionals and interested citizens. The board is recognized by RCW 71.A.14.020 and King County Code 2.32.020. See recruitment information. See Board Membership. Review Board Bylaws (PDF).

The Board for Developmental Disabilities and the Board Planning Committee meetings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of alternate months from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meetings are held at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Region II Office, 1700 East Cherry Street, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, in Seattle. The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. For bus service information go to METRO Trip Planner or call 206-553-3000 or TTY  206-684-1739.

(Directions Region II Meeting Location: Exit I-5 at James Street and go East on James. Follow James until it turns into Cherry Street; continue to follow Cherry to 17th Avenue. Turn left on 17th, right on E Columbia to Visitor Parking at Immaculate Conception Church on NE corner of E Columbia and 18th.)

Committees

Are you interested in working on issues or projects to positively impact children with developmental delays, adults with developmental disabilities and their families? Please consider volunteering your time for one of the board's committees. Residents of King County including family and self-advocates, professionals, and members of the provider community are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions of the Employment Committee, Legislative Committee, and Interagency Coordinating Council.

Interagency Coordinating Council (Early Intervention Services) meets from 9:30 a.m. - noon, quarterly, on the 4th Monday of odd months. Contact staff for location information.
Staff Contact: Jan Wrathall and Magan Cromar.

Employment Provider Committee meets on the third Tuesday of alternate months from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at Region II DSHS/DDD, Large Conference Room.
Staff Contacts: Holly Woo and Irma Hill.

Legislative Committee meets throughout the spring and summer to identify issues of importance for the Legislative Session and plan the annual Forum.
Staff Contact: Doug Washburn.

2011 Board and Committee Schedules, Agendas, and Minutes

Volunteer to Join the Board

Application Deadline:

Applications for board positions are currently being accepted. Individuals who are interested in serving on the board must meet the requirements below and complete an application. Download the board application and instructions here  (Word .doc 90 kb) .

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Applicants must be interested in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to access available services and integrate into and become full participants in their communities.
• Applicants must live in King County.
• Applicants must not have a close relative already serving on the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities.
• Applicants must not be a King County employee or on the staff or board of any agency that contracts with the King County Developmental Disabilities Division. A list of contract agencies is attached to the application.
• Applicants must be able to devote a minimum of ten hours a month to board activities, which includes attending monthly meetings of the full Board, Planning Committee meeting, and serving on at least one committee.

Appointment Process:

Current members of the board will review all applications and interview potential candidates. They will forward recommended candidates to the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services. The Director will recommend applicants for appointment to the County Executive. Recommended individuals are required to complete a financial disclosure form. The County Executive appoints members to the board, subject to the approval of the King County Council. Appointments are for terms of up to three years.

Board Roles:

• Planning: Board members participate in developing and updating plans that identify community needs and establish priorities for the allocation of available funds. The board encourages interested individuals and community organizations to participate in the planning process. Board members also participate in the planning and decision-making processes of other public organizations to ensure that the concerns of people with developmental disabilities and their families are articulated and addressed.
• Funding: Board members review the Developmental Disabilities Division annual budget and advise on funding priorities.
• Advocacy: Each year, the board develops a legislative agenda, which is presented to the King County Executive and Washington State Legislators representing King County districts. Recommendations also take the form of letters of support or are conveyed directly through personal meetings with elected officials.

Board Responsibilities:

• Learn about the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families and effective supports.
• Attend and actively participate in board, Planning Committee, and committee meetings.
• Serve on a least one committee of the board. Read and review all materials in advance of meetings and be prepared to participate in discussions.
• Invite people with developmental disabilities, their families, and others to explore common concerns and to engage in respectful discussions when differences arise.
• Be attuned to the community for information that may be of value to the work of the division and communicate the information to the board and/or staff.
• Convey information about developmental disabilities to individuals and organizations in your own community.

Board members are not responsible for.

For additional information about the board, including membership contact: Michaelle Monday.