The DD Ombuds recognizes Allyship is critical to our work, and a cornerstone of the disability rights movement. What is allyship? This website offers insightful guidance. https://theantioppressionnetwork.com/allyship/?fbclid=IwAR19c-qIjv57SRI-Lir2zi9DuGdi2t_j16aIMzUu4nOPWHEOMlTD8HbpaWs
Mental Health Month is a time to discuss, examine, raise awareness, and advocate about mental health and wellness. Nearly one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in people’s lives. People
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds began investigating complaints about individuals with disabilities who were stuck in a hospital without a medical need, and late last year we wrote a report on the issue, that you can read here. DD Ombuds Hospital Report Now, the issue has been covered by King5’s own Susannah Frame, who
Do you have trouble understanding Social Security benefits? Do you understand your money situation? Is something going wrong with your representative payee? Disability Rights Washington as a program to help individuals with disabilities keep their rights to make personal and financial decisions, and to make sure people who are assisting them are doing so in
The Region 2 DD Ombuds, Andrea and Beth, had information tables at 2 School-to-Work Transition Fairs in King County in March 2019. The fairs were for students with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, teachers, agencies, and employers. There were representatives from over 40 organizations at the fairs to provide information to the students, their families,
The DD Ombuds have been tracking legislation that will impact the developmental disabilities community. The DD Ombuds is following our mission by informing the Legislature’s work to ensure safe, quality developmental disabilities services. Some bills we are tracking: SB 5338 and HB 1422 which would modify RCW 74.34 to clarify definitions, give authority to Adult
The Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration has updated their website. It is now easier for advocates and community members who want to report a concern about an individual with developmental disabilities. These can include abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or other concerns, even if something just doesn’t seem quite right. Reports will be sent
The 2019 legislative session is in full force. The snowy weather conditions have been making it hard for advocates to come to the Capitol. Here are other ways to reach you legislators without coming to the capitol. Track a bill: To track a bill online visit https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ You can enter in House bills or Senate
People First of Washington has a youth leadership program called Student First, where individuals with disabilities learn advocacy and life skills. Leaders and experts from the community such as Brian Nichols of Spokane County speak to the Student First membership at their yearly conference in Spokane. There, the students learn important information about transitioning to
The DD Ombuds will be active during the Washington state legislative session informing the legislature about the work of the DD Ombuds and the issues that affect individuals with developmental disabilities. The DD Ombuds set priorities for the 2019 session, they include: Identify and close gaps in mental health services for people with developmental disabilities.
