Governor’s Disabilities Council seeks volunteers for two positions

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking volunteers to fill two open positions on the Governor-appointed member organization. The Council’s preference is to fill the vacant positions with two parents or guardians of a person with developmental disabilities; however, self-advocates are also encouraged to apply for the positions. The Council is hoping to fill the vacancies with representatives from the following counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Okanogan, Ferry, Douglas, Lincoln, Grant and Adams counties. Selected council members will hold a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for a second term. The Council covers all expenses, including travel to meetings, meals and lodging.

January 10, 2010 10:07 pm

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking volunteers to fill two open positions on the Governor-appointed member organization. The Council’s preference is to fill the vacant positions with two parents or guardians of a person with developmental disabilities; however, self-advocates are also encouraged to apply for the positions. The Council is hoping to fill the vacancies with representatives from the following counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Okanogan, Ferry, Douglas, Lincoln, Grant and Adams counties. Selected council members will hold a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for a second term. The Council covers all expenses, including travel to meetings, meals and lodging.

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.

“Our job as council members is to support our community, advocate for important policy issues that affect people with developmental disabilities, and keep a close eye on what’s happening in government and our communities,” said George Walker, Council Chair. “It is so important that our council members represent all of the diverse communities throughout Washington. That’s why we are encouraging people of color and other interested candidates from more rural areas in Washington to apply for the positions.”

The application deadline is April 30, 2010. For more information or an application, please contact Linda West at (360) 586-3572, or outside the Olympia area, 1-800-634-4473. Linda can also be reached by email at: linda.west@commerce.wa.gov.