Washington State Institution survivor, Michel Andre Raymond, known to friends as “Mike Raymond,” spent his life fighting for the friends he left behind, and trying to prevent others from being sent to institutions. He didn’t want others to experience the abuse and suffering that he experienced. Mike spent several decades serving on boards, commissions and workgroups dedicated to closing institutions and creating community based infrastructure. Our community mourns the loss of Mike whose memory is a blessing to our community. He leaves behind so many fellow advocates, and loving friends and family.

The DD Ally PAC calls on the Washington State Legislature to CLOSE ALL FOUR remaining institutions and ensure people with developmental disabilities are planned for, cared for, and celebrated as part of our communities.

Thanks to THOUSANDS of impacted advocates who have fought for community based services for themselves and for their loved ones, Jack only knew "home" to be a loving refuge. Jack left his grieving family in November of 2022, but thanks to so many impacted and impactful advocates before him, he only knew life outside of an institutional setting. Jack’s reality would never have been possible if not for policy makers listening to years of heartbreaking stories from institutional survivors and families who wanted their loved ones to live in the community. Jack’s short life was surrounded by non-disabled and disabled friends and family, and supported by critical investments in our community caregiving infrastructure.