HomeMy WebLinkAboutDDAC6.9.26 Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting
Tuesday June 9, 2026 - 5:30 PM
Armory - Meeting Room B
901 East 7th Avenue
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit)
3. Approval of Minutes
4. strategic Planning
5. Other Business
6. Concluded
Created on 6/3/2026 11:10:48 AM
Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Kittitas County, Washington
BOCC Auditorium
Special Meeting
TUESDAY 5:30 PM MAY 26TH, 2026
Board Members Present:
Hope Isitt, Amy Mohler, Brett Wachsmith (Chair),Toby Allphin, David McBride,Jaelyn McMahan
Excused:Justin Grindrod,Jason Self, Rich Elliott,
Others: Emma Madland (Clerk), Laurie Holt, Robin Read, Lily Frey
1. Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM.
2. Citizen Comments: None
3. Approval of Minutes:
MOTION TO APPROVE MAY 12TH 2O26 MEETING MINUTES:Toby Allphin moved to approve the
meeting minutes.Jaelyn McMahan second. Motion carried to approve the May 12th, 2026,
meeting minutes.
4. Housing Presentation: Lily Frey, City of Ellensburg, gave a presentation that included the history
of ADU discussion. She gave insight on the research that has been done by the city along with
financial data and community survey results. She explained the ongoing maintenance required
to have pre-approved plans and how this and other research impacts their decision to not
pursue them at this time. She also shared alternative options to support people in building
ADUs. Discussion on alternative housing models occurred within the committee.
5. Strategic Planning: Robin Read shared that her contract is being amended to allow for
community listening sessions.This will provide the opportunity for community feedback. She
then presented an updated vision, mission, and guiding principles statement for their plan.The
committee requested the addition of visuals to improve accessibility.
6. Other Business: None
7. Meeting concluded at 6:36 PM
KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH KITTITAS COUNTY,WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT CLERK
Emma Madland Brett Wachsmith,Chairman
1
PRIORITIES
The following priorities were selected by the Kittitas County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee. These five
priorities will be utilized,not only for the DDAC,but also for funding and programmatic decisions during the biennium.
Requests for funding and programs beyond the employment support services will,ideally,align with these areas.
EMPLOYMENT
There is a need in Kittitas County for more employers willing to employ people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities,as well as a need for more qualified job coaches. Only 36.5%of survey respondents in Kittitas County report
having enough supports to work or volunteer in the community,compared with 61%statewide and 64%nationally. Our
goal is that there are sufficient vendors staffed with job coaches and enough willing employers to meet the
employment needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
HOUSING AND SUPPORTED LIVING
Housing and supported living is a major concern for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many
people face uncertain futures as their parents age,supports are needed in order to be able to live as independently as
possible,and people with disabilities are affected by the lack of affordable housing in Kittitas County. Our goal is that
people have the opportunity and supports needed to choose their living situation.
ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION
There is a strong need for more recreational and social activities that are inclusive of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. Current activities are limited and people often face barriers in accessing them. Our goal is
that there are accessible,affordable,and supported options for people to socialize and be involved in the
community.
TRANSPORTATION
While transportation options are numerous for a small rural community,people with disabilities often face significant
barriers to accessing transportation. Most rely on their friends and family members for transportation. Transportation
was cited as one of the primary barriers to doing things in the community. Our goal is that there are options for
accessible and affordable transportation besides relying on friends and family.
COMMUNICATION
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families face a complex system of services that can be
very difficult to navigate. Improving the language we use to talk about these services can help people navigate the
system easier. Our goal is that communication about resources and services is inclusive of all abilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN QUESTIONS
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Accomplishments Setbacks Strengths Weaknesses Risks Opportunities
What have been What events Where do we What are the What forces What forces are
important and have real areas that need are working working for us?
milestones and happenings advantages and development? against us? What doors are
results? have impeded momentum?
progress? Where are the What could open to us?
What have been What have we gaps in "blow up" if
significant What things built that we do effectiveness? not dealt with? What are ideas
whose time has
efforts? required taking not want to lose?
a few steps What are major Where are come?
What are back? organizational potential
important areas issues? dangers in the
of progress? What factors future?
intruded on
What went well? plans?
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