Dan Thompson Memorial Fund makes communities more inclusive
The Dan Thompson Memorial Account has created innovative opportunities for more than 81,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently in their communities throughout the state. It has distributed approximately $45.7 million to community organizations providing “supports and services in a community setting to benefit eligible people with developmental disabilities.”
Nothing About Us Without Us
The Account models ways we can partner with people with I/DD across Washington, including areas of decision-making. People with I/DD are a part of the grant application review committee, helping to decide where and how money should be spent. People with developmental disabilities and immediate family members of people with developmental disabilities represented 78% of the review committee during the 2025–2027 biennium.
Real-world impacts
“The Dan Thompson Memorial Account is something that can give us hope!” says the Developmental Disabilities Council. People with I/DD have shared positive impacts from projects funded by account, saying, “I got to try new things,” “I am grateful for building community and finding friendships,” and “I learned how to be courageous and face my fears.”
Family members echo the sentiments, saying “M has truly enjoyed taking classes and working on her computer skills, it has boosted her self-confidence and gives her something to look forward to.”
Another family member said, “I am so very grateful that we have opened up a whole new world for her in that she can go be with her friends and not have to have us come! She has a new level of independence with the new van that lets her be included with everyone else.”
A parent reported that their deaf child has benefited tremendously from learning Baby Signs, saying [she] “has adapted to using sign language to communicate most of her wants and needs independently.”
Providers say “clients have directly experienced an improvement to their lives, socially and emotionally…[and] relationships between our entire community have stronger ties … [impacting] all members of our small island community.”
The Washington State Legislature established the Dan Thompson Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account in RCW 71A.20.170 in 2005 after the death of Dan Thompson, an advocate, a Microsoft employee and a person with a developmental disability. The Account is also an example of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s priorities in action — making state services more affordable, accessible and person-focused.
Contact us for any questions about the Account at danthompsonaccount@dshs.wa.gov.
