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
It is “Flu Season”. Below is information from the Department of Health with tips for how you can stay healthy! Department of Health offers regular updates on flu activity in Washington. Don’t forget to get a flu vaccine this season. See www.vaccinefinder.org or call the Help Me Grow Washington hotline at 1-800-322-2588 (language assistance available) to find a
December 10th marks Human Rights Day. This holiday celebrates the United Nation’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states the rights and freedoms that all people have. This year marks the 73nd anniversary of the document. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is used around the world and is the most translated
Abuse and neglect can happen to anybody. Sadly people with developmental disabilities are more likely to be abused then the general population. If you are someone you know is experiencing abuse or thinks that they are not being treated right there are ways you can report it Call 1-866-ENDHARM(1-866-363-4276) Report online- https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults To learn more about how
November is the best time to write and read books as it is National Novel Writing Month. If you want some recommendations from authors with disabilities look no further! · The Pretty One by Keah Brown: This book is about Keah’s life understanding the harsh realities of being disabled and black in a white, able-bodied
The DD Ombuds is sad to hear about the passing of Lois Curtis. Lois advocated for people with Intellectual and Developmental to live in the community and live the life they want. Her commitment to civil and disability rights has impacted many people. You can read more about Lois Here- https://www.aapd.com/press-releases/aapd-statement-on-the-passing-of-lois-curtis-lead-plaintiff-of-landmark-olmstead-decision/?fbclid=IwAR3EED3bzUPxK3Ao6z9UH7hNE3eh44U1I9MP5rr3F4IAUHESbNalhjCu9kw Below is an article
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Organizations around the Country are celebrating the work that people with disabilities participate in. The theme for this year is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” The theme was chosen to highlight that people with disabilities are a part of the workforce that will be needed as the nation
