DC Developmental Disabilities Council

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DC Developmental Disabilities Council The DC DDC seeks to strengthen the voice of people with developmental disabilities and their families in support of the lives they choose.

Tomorrow is the DC's 2026 Employment First Summit! For those who are looking to attend the Summit and haven't registered...
10/06/2026

Tomorrow is the DC's 2026 Employment First Summit! For those who are looking to attend the Summit and haven't registered. Make to do that. I (Kevin Wright, chairperson for the Employment First Planning Committee) am excited to see everyone at the Summit tomorrow as we celebrate 5 years of the Employment First Summit and hear from our wonderful presenters. More details regarding the Summit are below.

Register today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/R5faGiRN93

Join us on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for an engaging and enriching day of learning, connection, and celebration.

Together, we will learn, celebrate successes, share ideas, and build meaningful connections that support inclusive employment and create opportunities for both employers and people with disabilities.

This event welcomes people with disabilities of all ages, family members, service providers, advocates, educators, policymakers, employers, District government staff, and community leaders.

2026 Employment First Champion AwardsNominate here:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/AW22fmPbhLAs the Employment First Sum...
09/04/2026

2026 Employment First Champion Awards

Nominate here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/AW22fmPbhL

As the Employment First Summit celebrates its fifth year in 2026, we are proud to recognize the individuals, organizations, employers, and advocates helping advance Employment First in the District of Columbia.

The 2026 Employment First Champion Awards celebrate those whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are creating more inclusive workplaces and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve meaningful, competitive integrated employment.

Employment Support Professional Excellence Award
Recognizes an Employment Support Professional, such as a Job Coach, Job Developer, or Direct Support Professional, who provides exceptional support to people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.

Trailblazer Award
Recognizes a person with a disability who has demonstrated innovation, leadership, perseverance, and achievement throughout their employment journey.

Inclusive Workplace Award
Recognizes an employer or department that demonstrates a strong commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where employees have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Help us recognize the people and organizations making a difference! The Employment First Planning Committee will review all nominations. Nominations must be submitted by September 10, 2026.

DC’s 2026 Employment First SummitCreating Opportunities: Connecting Talent to Careersof Today and TomorrowRegister today...
09/04/2026

DC’s 2026 Employment First Summit
Creating Opportunities: Connecting Talent to Careers
of Today and Tomorrow

Register today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/R5faGiRN93

We’re excited to invite you to DC’s 2026 Employment First Summit!

Join us on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for an engaging and enriching day of learning, connection, and celebration.

Together, we will learn, celebrate successes, share ideas, and build meaningful connections that support inclusive employment and create opportunities for both employers and people with disabilities.

This event welcomes people with disabilities of all ages, family members, service providers, advocates, educators, policymakers, employers, District government staff, and community leaders.

8th Annual Latine Conference for People with Disabilities Register here:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/AvJhf1UURq?origi...
08/24/2026

8th Annual Latine Conference for People with Disabilities

Register here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/AvJhf1UURq?origin=QRCode

Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Rita Bright Family and Youth Center (2500 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) for a community event focused on supporting people with disabilities and their families in DC.

This gathering will highlight a wide range of services, resources, and programs designed to help individuals thrive. Whether you’re looking to connect with local organizations, learn more about available assistance, or network with other families, this event is a great opportunity to get informed and feel supported.

Join us for our DD Council Public Meeting onThursday, July 16, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Aviso de Reunión de El Consejo...
07/16/2026

Join us for our DD Council Public Meeting on
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Aviso de Reunión de El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo
Jueves, 16 julio 2026 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please register in advance!
¡Por favor, regístrese con anticipación!
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/2FT2mkyLQKSTZunG1IyAzA

Families Like Ours: Real Stories, Real Love, Real LifePart 1: Panel Discussion – The Journeys of Parents with Intellectu...
07/08/2026

Families Like Ours: Real Stories, Real Love, Real Life
Part 1: Panel Discussion – The Journeys of Parents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

Register here:
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/WzziTCKETcC7bL9i_8Kc8Q #/registration

Join us for a meaningful conversation that celebrates the experiences, strengths, and resilience of parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This session offers an opportunity to hear directly from parents as they share their personal journeys, connect with others, and explore the supports that help families thrive.

Together, we will:
Learn from the lived experiences of parents with IDD.
Build connections among parents, families, and community members.
Explore parenting, disability rights, and available supports for parents with IDD in the District of Columbia.
Engage in thoughtful conversations about how our community can better support parents with IDD and their families.

During this event, participants will:
Watch videos and hear from parents with IDD during a live panel discussion.
Participate in a facilitated community conversation.
Receive information about resources and supports available for families.

We encourage parents, family members, professionals, advocates, and community partners to attend and be part of this important discussion. By listening to real stories and sharing ideas, we can help build a more inclusive and supportive community for families.

Do you need accommodations or language access? Contact Catherine Rinehart Mello, [email protected]

Presented by:
The DC Supporting Families Community of Practice

2026 DDAM – Her Power, Her StoryWomen in Leadership Community Panel DiscussionJoin here:https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/r...
03/17/2026

2026 DDAM – Her Power, Her Story
Women in Leadership Community Panel Discussion

Join here:
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/cRbBZevmSGq5ntla7llMZw #/registration

March invites us to reflect on two important observances: Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). Together, these moments encourage us to celebrate leadership, amplify lived experiences, and reaffirm our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

In the spirit of this year’s DDAM theme, “Power of Support,” we recognize that meaningful progress happens when communities come together to uplift one another. Support—through advocacy, collaboration, and access—creates pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive in their workplaces, communities, and leadership roles.

Join us on Zoom for “2026 DDAM - Her Story, Her Power: Women in Leadership Community Panel Discussion,” a virtual program dedicated to uplifting the voices, leadership, and experiences of women with disabilities. This event will feature a dynamic panel of women leaders who will share their personal journeys, insights, and perspectives on leadership, advocacy, and opportunity.

The conversation will be guided by co-moderators who will facilitate a thoughtful, engaging dialogue, creating space for reflection, learning, and meaningful exchange.

We invite you to join us for this important conversation and celebration, and to help uplift the leadership and experiences of women with disabilities.

Co-Moderators:
Arlene King-Berry, J.D. (Professor of Special Education, University of District of Columbia), and Carol Grigsby (Disability Rights Advocate and host of DDinWDC Blog)

Panelist:
Anjie Shelby (Chairperson, DC Developmental Disabilities Council), Berta Mata (Bilingual Educational Support Specialist, Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. and Community Member, DC Developmental Disabilities Council), Karen Quinones (Deputy Director of Operations, Division of Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing), and Norma Morán (Associate Director, Nuestra Casa, Gallaudet University)

Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Carolyn D. McCaskill (GU Alumnae '77, '79 & G-05, Retired Professor, and Former Director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies)

Join us for our DD Council Public Meeting onMarch 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Aviso de Reunión de El Consejo de Disca...
03/13/2026

Join us for our DD Council Public Meeting on
March 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Aviso de Reunión de El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo
Jueves, 19 de marzo de 2026 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please register in advance!
¡Por favor, regístrese con anticipación! https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/SoX1elyeSeK-uCTCa7wYOA

2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness MonthA Journey Toward Inclusivity: A Legacy of Access and Justice – The Judith...
02/25/2026

2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

A Journey Toward Inclusivity: A Legacy of Access and Justice – The Judith Campaign
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/MdDm6tPVVf

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., join us at Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th St NW, Washington, DC, for an evening of reflection, courage, and continued action.

The DC community has been shaped by extraordinary leaders who refused to accept barriers as permanent. Judith Heumann, widely known as the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement; Thomas Mangrum, a steadfast advocate within DC’s disability community; and Matthew McCollough, former Director of DC’s Office of Disability Rights, helped transform our city into a place where access and equity are not aspirations, but expectations.

Their work changed lives. Their leadership created pathways. Their legacy continues.

This powerful panel discussion will feature two Judith Campaign participants sharing their personal journeys and speaking to the work still ahead as we build a DC where everyone belongs.

The event space and bathrooms are accessible. ASL interpretation and captions will be provided.

To request accommodations or assistance completing the form, contact Claire Simon at [email protected] or 202-724-5055.

Join us. Be part of the journey toward inclusion.

Celebrate Advocacy. Honor Impact. Nominate a Champion.https://forms.office.com/g/LjECh7az7iDuring Developmental Disabili...
02/21/2026

Celebrate Advocacy. Honor Impact. Nominate a Champion.
https://forms.office.com/g/LjECh7az7i

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Advocate for Equity Awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

The 2026 theme, “The Power of Support,” highlights the vital role of advocates, family members, caregivers, and allies in promoting inclusion, strengthening community, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all.

Submit nominations by March 6, 2026.

Questions? Contact Kevin Wright ([email protected]) or Carla McCaskill ([email protected]).

Let’s honor those who power inclusion in our community.

Address

441 4th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20001

Telephone

+12027278005

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