You can join the Community Advocacy Coalition for the annual Notebook Meeting, where groups share issues of importance and legislative priorities for the 2024 state legislative session. The “notebook” is a data and resource tool you can use to advocate for better services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Community Advocacy
The general election is less than a week away. You have probably received your ballot in the mail already around October 20th. State judicial offices, local offices, and local propositions may appear on your ballot depending upon what is happening in your community. Once you fill out your ballot, you can mail it back or
In 2008, the Washington State legislature declared October 1-31 as Disability History Month. This was done to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance of people with disabilities. October is also federally recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month. Check out this link to see a timeline of disability rights enshrined at the Philadelphia’s City Hall Courtyard and
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) must be delivered in integrated settings. That means that people receiving DDA Waiver services can participate and enjoy their community! DDA recently created videos to help explain what this means: Overview Video: This video explains why and where the HCBS Settings Rules are in place. What to Expect Video:
September 8th was the 45th state convention of People First of Washington. They held the convention in Ellensburg, at the Central Washington University, home of the Wildcats. The DD Ombuds office hosted a resource table and two workshops at the convention. The first workshop was the Half Decade of DD Ombuds. People First members heard
The ADA, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act, is a piece of legislation that ensures that all people with disabilities in the United States have equal access to all areas of public life, such as jobs, schools, and transportation. On July 26th, we celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the ADA and what the law
July is Disability Pride Month! Disability Pride Month was started after the Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADA was passed on July 26th 1990. Every July people with disabilities celebrate who they are! Disability pride events have taken place across the country over the years including parades, art events, moving screenings, and concerts. Disability
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the 2023 theme is “More Than Enough.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness states this is an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds was sad to hear about the passing of Judy Heumann on March 4th, 2023. Judy was fundamental to the disability rights movement and the passing legislation including Section 504, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the UN Convention on the Rights
The 2023 Washington State Legislative Session started on January 9th, 2023. This session is currently scheduled to hold hearings virtually and in person at the state Capitol in Olympia. This might change during legislative session. This year is what is considered a long session where the Washington State budget is created for the next two
