The Problem
Many individuals with I/DD and their families—especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities—are not connected to services in Washington. Gaps in outreach mean some families don’t know about available supports or how to access them.
Action
The Council identified where services were not reaching communities by mapping gaps across the state and listening to feedback from local coordinators and families. They used this information to make the case for expansion and successfully secured additional funding to reach more people. This allowed the program to grow its team and increase its presence in underserved areas.
Results
The expansion led to major increases in service connections. The number of coordinators grew from 9 to 13, allowing for broader outreach and support. As a result, one-on-one services increased by nearly 300%, and the number of people connected to services more than doubled. More families are now getting the help they need, when and where they need it.
Unique Role of the Council
The Council is closely connected to communities across the state. By listening to families and tracking gaps, the Council can quickly respond and expand services—ensuring more people with I/DD are connected to the supports that help them live and thrive in their communities.