In this season of gift giving, I wanted to share with you, dear readers, one of the greatest gifts in our county: Citizens helping citizens.
This month, I’m introducing you to an organization near and dear to my heart, the Thurston Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition.
In the coming months, I’ll be spotlighting different organizations that connect, support, encourage and inspire all of us who benefit from the joy and richness diversity brings to Thurston County.
Want to learn to cook? Sorry, no teachers.
Want to get a job after high school? Nope, no options.
Want to ride the bus? You might be able to if you make a reservation way in advance and are unusually lucky.
If any of this is surprising, then, my friends, you are quite the privileged bunch. You clearly do not have a developmental disability.
Once upon a time, individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities had no choice but to endure these limitations. It didn’t matter if they spoke up; no one listened.
The Thurston Mason Developmental Disabilities (TMDD) Coalition was born in 2021. Founded by Michelle O’Dell and Coleen McKenna-Solman after years of intense advocacy, organizing and learning, the coalition’s mission is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities are valued, included and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
“I went to Washington, D.C., to fight for my son, and discovered the greater need was in my own backyard,” O’Dell explained. “The TMDD Coalition was formed to amplify the voices of self-advocates, families and community members. It is imperative that those (people) with disabilities have representation and influence at both the state and local levels.”
Funded by a grant from Thurston County, the TMDD Coalition is changing lives locally.
The TMDD Coalition, in partnership with the Arc of Washington, is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable community through collaboration, education and advocacy.
By partnering with families, self-advocates, community leaders and state legislators, the TMDD Coalition aims to create meaningful change.
TMDD Coalition member and self-advocate, Courtney Thom, is a fierce lobbyist and one of the coalition’s leaders for change.
“I advocate for all people to have a better life. I’ve advocated for special needs education and rural transportation. I also fight for marriage equality because I believe no one should be penalized for getting married. I fight to shut down all the state-run institutions,” Thom said.
When Laurie Shackelford joined the TMDD Coalition, she had never championed systemic change. Within a few short months of training and preparation, she initiated a meeting with her state representative.
“I was so nervous,” Shackelford said.
The TMDD Coalition taught her the steps to take and how to craft a speech that would get attention.
“The Coalition got me through it and Michelle came to the meeting with us,” Shackelford said.
Her cause is a TMDD Coalition legislative priority: Funding day and vocational programs.
These programs combat isolation and promote community.
“Once a child with a disability graduates from high school, they get a diploma for the couch,” Shackelford said. “For most young adults, there is nothing for them to do. They leave school and have no programs, social outlets or vocational activities.”
Funding is limited to one-on-one outings when, and if, a chaperone is available.
Shackelford advocates for quality services that enrich lives.
“We want community centers where young adults can be involved socially, learn new skills and make friends. We want them to be active and meaningful participants in the community,” she said.
The TMDD Coalition nurtures growth and expansion of advocacy efforts and encourages members to have positive relationships with decision-makers. Referring to the TMDD Coalition by the Arc of Washington four years ago, Thom is now well-known to her local legislators.
“The TMDD Coalition helps me have a better connection with representatives from the 35th district,” Thom said.
Laurie and her son, Damon, are familiar faces at legislative forums: They have spoken at two forums and have testified at a House committee.
Looking ahead, the TMDD Coalition continues to champion its legislative priorities, ones that will benefit all of Thurston County and Mason County residents:
Through the pursuit of these goals, the TMDD Coalition is building a more inclusive and equitable community.
“I want people with disabilities to have better lives,” said Thome, who highly recommends my readers to join the TMDD Coalition. “I see the growth, the inspiration and the passion. It’s all about advocating for a better life.”
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