Happy New Year!

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Many DC residents receiving services from the DC Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) saw cuts to their services in 2025, especially those receiving in-home supports and services like nutrition and fitness. Additional cuts are expected in 2026, so advocacy will be as important as ever to ensure people who need services don’t lose them.

There will also be a waiting list starting in February for the first time ever for DC residents with IDD needing residential services and supports from DDA. Advocacy will be critical to make sure that people on the waiting list have access to community-based services and other DDA services and that those in emergency situations don’t face dangerous choices.

As always, QT is here to advocate for the health and safety, quality of life, and choices of people with IDD and to make sure that the voices of people with IDD are not overlooked while important decisions are being made about the systems that impact their lives.

DC Council Performance Oversight Hearings will happen in February, and budget hearings will happen in April and May. Quality Trust encourages you to speak up for your needs, both at meetings about your individual services and at these hearings where decisions are made about the system. We will be there to share our concerns as well.

If you have concerns that you want Quality Trust to hear about, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (202) 993-6306. Please contact our main number at (202) 448-1450 or complete our online form if you need our advocacy. We’re here for you!