May is Mental Health Awareness Month, 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 to know that if all you
You might have heard the slogan “Nothing about us without us” it is often used by self-advocates to describe the involvement of people with disabilities in the planning of plans and policies that affect their lives. Now in Washington with the passing of HB 1541 this is a policy in Washington State. The bill makes
The 2024 Washington State Legislative Session started on January 8th. This session is currently scheduled to hold hearings virtually and in person at the state Capitol in Olympia. That means that people can participate in hearings from their home. People can submit written testimony, sign in support or oppose a bill or even testify
SARTAC (Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) is having a series of classes over Zoom to discuss Health Relationships and Sexuality for Self-Advocates. This is free for people to view. People do not need to attend all the classes but can sign up for what they want. Sexual Self-Advocacy January 22 Identity and Self
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
