Office of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds Mission Statement
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds advocates for the rights, dignity, and humanity of people with developmental disabilities living in Washington-State.
Vision
We envision people living joyful and unrestricted lives, free from abuse and neglect. We envision a service system by and for individuals with developmental disabilities that:
- Protects and empowers the rights of disabled people
- Trusts people when they say what they need
- Is individualized and responsive to peoples’ needs
- Encourages people to come forward with their concerns
- Believes those who come forward with reports of abuse and neglect
- Is culturally responsive to the diverse needs of its population
- Is accessible for everyone
- Prioritizes community over isolation
- Promotes meaningful social relationships
- Uplifts the opinions and needs of disabled people
- Has a robust network of service-providers that can meet a wide variety of needs
- Trains and empowers everyone who is providing services to support self advocacy for those they serve
Values
- Disability and social justice. Our office advocates for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, as well as the rights of marginalized groups inside of and outside of the disability community. We support the social model of disability and disability justice principles.
- Putting power in the hands of people with disabilities. Everyone can communicate and self-advocate, we may need to listen differently. We want our work to be accessible, desirable, and useful. We believe that people with disabilities are leaders, both in their own lives and within their communities.
- Integrity with the way we run the office. We maintain confidentiality. We take direction from people with developmental disabilities. We value sustainability and good working relationships. We also value transparency and accountability.
- People with disabilities should be free from abuse and neglect. We believe people when they share concerns with us. We support people to live in an environment where they feel safe, healthy and can live full lives.
Diversity Statement
The Office of DD Ombuds presumes competence and supports access for all people regardless of communication style, disability status, expression, accommodations or support, independence, citizenship status, immigration status, race, color, nation of origin or ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or other protected characteristic. The DD Ombuds keeps identifying information confidential and will not share your information with government or other agencies.
