Nov. 16, 2007
Media advisory: State legislators to meet with developmental disabilities community
King County Executive Ron Sims will join the developmental disabilities community and members of the King County delegation to the Washington State Legislature in a discussion of key legislative issues and priorities for 2008. As in years past, approximately 30 legislators and more than 500 people with developmental disabilities, their parents, family members and service providers are expected to attend the annual event.
Executive Sims will provide the opening remarks at the 18th Annual Developmental Disabilities Community Legislative Forum, which will take place:
Mon., Nov. 19, 2007
7-9 p.m.
Doubletree Guest Suites (near Southcenter Mall)
16500 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila
"Each year, the King County developmental disabilities community comes together in an extraordinary demonstration of advocacy, commitment and determination on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families," said Executive Sims. "This forum provides an opportunity for the community to express their concerns directly to their legislators and build important connections between legislators and the constituents they serve."
The program will feature the personal experiences and viewpoints of individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. They will speak to the 2008 priority issues, including: adequate funding for birth-to-three early intervention services; developing responsive child care services; establishing best practices for school age children; funding and support for services for young adults exiting high school; enhanced provision of medical services; and family support services. The annual forum is sponsored by the volunteer King County Board for Developmental Disabilities and the King County Parent Coalition.
For more information on the Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum, please call Ray Jensen, Division Director, Developmental Disabilities Division, at 206-263-9018, or go to www.kingcounty.gov/ddd.