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.
Check out the link below to hear from Kate Walters of KUOW about the latest on individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington being stranded at the hospital and what Washington State is doing to address the issue. Scroll down and play the second segment titled “Ombuds report on people with developmental disabilities”. KUOW Report
In this report, the DD Ombuds describes its findings that individuals with developmental disabilities are dropped off and left at hospitals by service providers, after which their services are terminated. This has left many individuals at the hospital with no place to go for long periods, sometimes even months. This is a preventable problem. Have
Sexual Abuse can happen to any person regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal trait. It is not the fault of the person who was abused. If you or somebody you know is experiencing abuse you can contact End Harm at 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276) or online at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults The DD Ombuds
Recently the DD Ombuds had the opportunity to attend a class led by Shirley Paceley and Linda Sandman about trauma informed advocacy. What is “trauma informed advocacy”? Well, many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will experience some form of trauma in their lives. This could be abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and it can come
