Hundreds attend virtual events for DDA’s legislative projects
Contact: Lisa Pemberton, DSHS Office of Communications
More than 350 people attended the recent Show & Share events hosted by DSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration. The virtual events were designed to gather information on seven projects that were requested by the Washington State Legislature. Those projects range from affordable accessible housing and health care student training to smaller caseloads and quality in residential settings.
DSHS’ Secretary Jilma Meneses attended the first event.
“I understand your passion — your goals — and I want to partner with you,” she said. “I want to learn from you and what I can do to support you at all levels. I’m here at your service to support you, and the communities that we serve.”
During the events, which took place Jan. 27 and Feb. 10, self-advocates, families, providers and others were invited to provide input on the topics, and share their personal experiences.
“I appreciated the opportunity to be able to attend the Show & Share,” said Erin Zerba, a teacher and parent and lead Independent Living advocate with Inland Northwest Disability Experience or INDEx. “Not only was I able to learn about the projects DDA is working on, I was also able to hear attendees’ views on these projects and what their needs are regarding the topics being discussed. As a rural Northeast Washington independent living representative and parent with lived experience, hearing what is happening in other parts of the state is very beneficial.”
In fact, the Show & Share format was so popular, several attendees asked DDA to organize more events like it in the future.
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout and participation,” said Debbie Roberts, Assistant Secretary for DDA. “We have already begun incorporating pieces of the feedback in our work.”
Learn more at www.dshs.wa.gov/ddaprojects.