Dear Stakeholders and Families,

As we welcome the warmth of spring, I am honored to share my first message as the Interim Assistant Secretary. I hope the coming of spring awakens hope for each of you. The DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration values the partnerships we have developed over time. Your never-ending support of the people we serve remains constant during change. Strengthening our partnership through our shared vision and values will keep us moving forward within the mission of the DSHS' Developmental Disabilities Administration.

We are grateful to have partners like you who will collaborate and guide us as we re-imagine and design programs, services, and communities of choice for the people we serve. It's an exciting time at DDA, and while no one has a crystal ball, we can all rely upon our commitment to the people we serve and the mission, visions, and values we believe in to be our guiding stars.?We will need your "out-of-the-box" creative ideas as we look toward the end of a busy legislative season.

I look forward to continuing the march of freedom and choice for individuals with developmental disabilities.?When we strive for equality, dignity, and respect for all, we will encounter barriers, but no one should doubt our collective ability to push through obstacles and achieve our shared goals. When we stand together, we become that resilient community of caring individuals who can solve the most complex problems our community faces every day.?

I look forward to speaking more with you in the coming days. This message will serve as an open invitation for you to reach out and let me know how I can help. As your interim collaborative partner, I owe everyone personal accountability, ownership of leader tasks, clarity in expectations, full transparency, a listening ear, and an environment of inclusivity for everyone.?

Tonik Joseph PhD / Interim Assistant Secretary