DC Developmental Disabilities Council

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)

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

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.

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.

02/16/2026

As we continue to mourn the passing of our dear friend, Mat McCollough, we are also deeply moved by the memories of his legacy and the impact he had on our community. This week, we join others in celebrating Mat’s life by sharing stories, supporting one another, and leading with love.

Celebration of Life
Mathew “Mat” McCollough
Friday, February 20, 2026
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 5th Floor
901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Livestream link: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81301690848

Doors open: 11:00 AM
Service starts: 11:30 AM
Reception: 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Light refreshments will be available
ASL interpreters and CART captioning will be provided in person and online
Obituary: https://obituaries.carewellcremations.com/ronie-mccollough

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Today, we honor the survivors, support those fighting, and remember those we've lost. Find information and resources by visiting: dchealth.dc.gov/service/cancer

02/06/2026

From DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency:

As crews work continuously to address roads and extreme cold sets in, AlertDC is one way you can stay in the loop on conditions in your neighborhood.

Sign up for free, custom email or text alerts at alert.dc.gov and stay in the know in your neighborhood.

02/06/2026

Start your child’s reading journey early with Books from Birth—in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Sign up and your child will get a FREE, age-appropriate book in the mail every month until age 5!

➡️ Register today: https://bit.ly/492C8CD

02/06/2026

Celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year in Ward 1! 🇻🇳

Join us at Mt. Pleasant Library for Tết Fest 2026, a neighborhood celebration of Vietnamese Lunar New Year traditions in the DC community.
Hosted by in MOAPIA, ANC 1A, and the Samuel Kelsey Tenant Association, this event is part of a citywide effort to bring Lunar New Year celebrations to neighborhoods across the District.
📍 Mt. Pleasant Library (3160 16th St NW)
🗓 Monday, Feb 23 | ⏰ 11 AM–1 PM
🔗 Register at tinyurl.com/2026DCTetFest

02/06/2026

Join us for office hours with !✨ Stop by to ask questions about discrimination, learn about your rights, and connect with OHR staff about our services and resources.

📅⏰Tuesday, February 10, 10:00 AM
📍2100 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE