The Dan Thompson Employment Rallies aimed to bring together Washington State’s employment community after a prolonged period without in-person gatherings due to the pandemic. This initiative blended traditional learning with remote services to ensure inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups typically underrepresented in such forums. The series was comprised of six regional events and one statewide event, accommodating both online and in-person attendance. A significant focus was on equipping individuals with disabilities with technology to enable their active participation alongside professionals and government representatives.

• Paid Emcees and presenters with lived I/DD experience.
• A culminating statewide event hosted at an accessible venue, also accessible virtually. 
• Focus on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in achieving employment success through resources, tools, networking, and collaboration.
• Emphasis on community-building and envisioning the future of employment postpandemic.
• Washington State DDA Guiding Values used as the basis for planning and discussions.
• Showcased employment success stories and amplified the voices of those served by the I/DD system.

Materials and handouts from the 2023-2024 Washington State Employment Rallies are available in English, Spanish (Español), Vietnamese (tiếng Việt), Korean (한국어), or Russian (Русский).