Image shows an X over an institution.

More on Closing Institutions

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The SHUT THEM DOWN Coalition

Join the Shut Them Down coalition’s fight to defund the building of institutions that segregate people with disabilities.

Bill Fale's Shut Them Down artwork with black lines and yellow, red and blue colors. It shows a stylized person in a wheelchair who is thinking: 'I choose community,' and holding a sign that says 'Shut Them Down. Lettering that says 'We Count Too' is at the bottom.

Letter to
Governor Inslee
from the
Shut Them Down
Coalition:

shows the Shut Them Down Press release

Why Institutions Should be Closed—the Latest Legal Report from Disability Rights Washington:

front of the latest DRW report on why institutions should be closed

Self-Advocates Alternative Proposal to Building New $120 Million Nursing Facility for Fircrest Y Residents:

shows report cover of Alternative Proposal of Advocates.


SHUT THEM DOWN Newsletters

Current Issue:

the first page of the latest Shut Them Down newsletter

Past Issues:

Issue number three of the Shut Them Down newsletter dated February 1, 2022.    February 1, 2022

Issue number two of the Shut Them Down newsletter dated January 12, 2022.    January 12, 2022

Issue number one of the Shut Them Down newsletter dated December 23, 2021.    December 23, 2021


Why It's Crucial to Close Institutions

In 1999, the United States Supreme Court passed a landmark decision, Olmstead vs L.C., requiring states to eliminate unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and to ensure that persons with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting possible.

Yet, Washington State is on track to invest tens of millions into rebuilding the same institutions that over the years, have been at the center of horrific realities. It’s time to change course.


Click on the logos graphic below (or at right) to access links to compelling reports and interviews about the devastating realities of institutions.


Beyond Institutions: The Way Forward


Below is a link to the ADA page with more information on the Olmstead Decision:

Americans with Disabilities Act logo.


The 317 Plan and its impact on developing community-based services in Indiana:

Logo for the Center on Aging and Community at Indiana University.  Logo of the Indiana Family and social services administration.


A link to an NPR report on the higher rates of COVID-19 deaths in the I/DD community (features members of People First of Washington):

National Public Radio logo.

We are stronger together.

Visit the websites of our other disability-led partners by clicking on the logos below:

Link to The Washington Law Help dot org website. Link to The Informing Families dot org website.



People First of Washington
P.O. Box 1180
Spanaway, WA 98387-9997

253-999-7222
krista@pfow.org

People First of Washington logo. Click to go to the home page.

Access the People First Zoom Room here:

people first zoom room logo and link.

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