It is the mission of the Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board to influence the quality of supports to individuals with developmental disabilities to respect personal choice and diversity, ensure fundamental human rights and optimize individual strengths.

We envision a future where individuals with developmental disabilities have:

• power and choice in making decisions and directing their lives;
• relationships with people whom they love and care about and who love and care about them;
• recognition for what they can contribute to our community;
• active involvement in the communities where they live;
• opportunities to use all of their strengths and support for their areas of need; and
• opportunities to live healthy, safe, and enjoyable lives.

• holistic approaches to supports and services is vital;
• ideas, priorities, and solutions must be developed at the community level;
• services must be responsive, flexible, and tailored to meet changing needs throughout an individuals life;
• services must be barrier-free and accessible;
• every person in the community can make a contribution;
• every person must be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity;
• diversity enriches our community, and we must build upon this strength;
• each person's unique cultural, spiritual, and developmental needs must be respected;
• responsibility is shared in partnership with the community;
• an attitude of cooperation and collaboration must be demonstrated;
• services must be efficiently operated and proven effective for those served; and
• we are advocates for needed change.

Nominations for membership to the Board are solicited from throughout Pierce County to reflect the diversity of the community and various stakeholders. Examples include all geographic areas, minority populations, individuals with disabilities and their families, employers, and school districts. Nominations for appointment to the Board are forwarded to the Pierce County Executive for selection and appointment, subject to approval by the Pierce County Council. Membership on the Board shall be open to individuals residing within Pierce County.

Membership is not open to individuals who are employees of DSHS Division of Developmental Disabilities, agencies which provide case management services for clients served by County-funded programs, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, or Pierce County Community Connections. Membership is not open to individuals or members of their immediate families who are employed by agencies or organizations receiving financial assistance through the Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Program.

The Board shall consist of a maximum of 15 members, appointed by the Pierce County Executive and approved by the Pierce County Council. In the event membership falls to nine (9) members, nominations will be sought to increase the membership to the maximum level.

Board members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years provided that no member shall be appointed to serve for more than two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms.

To apply for the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, please fill out the application form and mail to Developmental Disabilities, Pierce County Community Connections, 3602 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98418.

When vacancies on the board arise, applications will be considered.

The DD Advisory Board meets publicly on a quarterly basis. Below are the meeting dates for 2011. All meetings start at 4pm and will be held in the Pierce County Community Connections Soundview Building Conference Room 1.

• February 2nd
• May 4th
• August 3rd
• November 2nd