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Our Beliefs
People with all kinds of (dis) ABILITIES have the right to be equal and respected citizens in our communities. We have the right to work, live, have fun, make friends, take risks, and learn to speak up for ourselves. People have the right to make their OWN informed choices.
“Changes I Want to See”
Access a downloadable, printable PDF of the 2021 Legislative Agenda brochure by clicking on the image:
Click the icon to:
Learn How to Register for Remote Testimony
During House and Senate Committee Hearings
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that no person should be segregated from our communities. We believe that appropriate funding to support enhancing community services must be provided.
That is why we want institutions closed. We object to anyone controlling anyone else’s life. We will pledge our support and help to those people who move out to find friends, supports, and resources in their new homes.
People First of Washington, Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) and Allies in Advocacy have written three open letters advocating closing institutions. You can see them in the timeline below.
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that no person should be segregated from our communities. We believe that appropriate funding to support enhancing community services must be provided.
That is why we want institutions closed. We object to anyone controlling anyone else’s life. We will pledge our support and help to those people who move out to find friends, supports, and resources in their new homes.
People First of Washington, Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) and Allies in Advocacy have written three open letters advocating closing institutions. You can see them in the timeline below.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Transitioning to Housing
Everyone deserves safe and healthy living situations regardless of disability status. Staying in hospitals or institutions is not what people with disabilities want! We want to stay in the community with DD supports in accessible and affordable housing situations. We need legislators to increase funding for SOLA’s in the I/DD community and close institutions.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
Closing Institutions Timeline
Horizontal Scroll
-
JANUARY 2022
Shut Them Down Rally
January 26
-
JANUARY 2022
State Government and Tribal Relations-
HB 1802
January 13
-
JANUARY 2022
Shut Them Down Newsletter
January 11
-
APRIL 2021
2021 Capital
Budget Outcome
April 26
-
MARCH 2021
House Capital Budget Committee-HB 1080
March 29
-
MARCH 2021
House Appropriations Committee-HB 1094
March 27
-
MARCH 2021
Senate Ways and Means Committee-SB 5083
March 25
-
MARCH 2021
House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee-ESSB 5284: Sub Minimum Wage
March 12
-
MARCH 2021
People First of Washington Press Conference
March 31
-
MARCH 2021
The Shut Them Down Coalition’s Letter to Governor Jay Inslee
March
-
JANUARY 2021
DDA's Report to the Legislature Regarding Implementing SB 6419 (Ruckelshaus Recommendations on RHCs)
Jan 26
-
JANUARY 2021
House Capital Budget Committee Meeting
Jan 14
-
JANUARY 2021
House Appropriations Committee Meeting
Jan 14
-
JANUARY 2021
Senate Ways and Means Committee Meeting
Jan 12
-
DECEMBER 2020
Second Letter from Advocates to Governor and Ruckelshuaus Taskforce
-
NOVEMBER 2020
A Letter from DRW to WSDSHS Advocating Closing Rainier PAT-C
-
OCTOBER 2020
A Letter to Ruckelshaus Regarding Caring for People with I/DD
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OCTOBER 2020
KUNI Foundation Report on Housing Insecurity for People with I/DD
-
SEPTEMBER 2020
DRW Letter Advocating Community Supports and No New Nursing Facility at Fircrest
-
SEPTEMBER 2020
DD Ombuds Request for Plain language WACs for DDA Client Rights Bill
-
JUNE 2020
Open Letter from Advocates Regarding Ruckelshaus Recommendations
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
-
APRIL 2020
Senate Bill 6419 Approved by Governor
-
MARCH 2020
Senate Bill 6419 Passes State House
-
MARCH 2020
Letter from Rep Gerry Pollett to Ruckelshaus Center
-
FEBRUARY 2020
Senate Bill 6419 Passes State Senate
-
FEBRUARY 2020
DRW’s Call for Amendments to the RHC Bills
-
JANUARY 2020
Discussion of Senate Bill 6419 in House Appropriations Committee
-
JANUARY 2020
Discussion of Senate Bill 6419 in House Human Services & Early Learning
-
JANUARY 2020
House Bill 2572
Senate Bill 6419 Report
-
JANUARY 2020
Senate Bill 6419 Discussion in Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee
-
NOVEMBER 2019
Ruckelshaus Recommendations
-
NOVEMBER 2013
DRW article on Feds Citing 40,000 Violations in Spokane's Lakeland Village
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JANUARY 2010
Study on How Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities can be Better Served in Community Settings
Key to Timeline Icons
This icon indicates
actions by advocates.
This icon indicates
actions by the legislature.
The SHUT THEM DOWN Coalition
Join the Shut Them Down coalition’s fight to defund the
building of institutions that segregate people with disabilities.
Letter to
Governor Inslee
from the
Shut Them Down
Coalition:
Why Institutions Should be Closed—the Latest Legal Report from Disability Rights Washington:
Self-Advocates Alternative Proposal to Building New $120 Million Nursing Facility for Fircrest Y Residents:
SHUT THEM DOWN Newsletters
Current Issue:
Past Issues:
February 1, 2022
January 12, 2022
December 23, 2021
To join the SHUT THEM DOWN coalition,
please email Krista Milhofer at People First of Washington:
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:
The 317 Plan and its impact on developing community-based services in Indiana:
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):
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that all people have the right to speak up and speak out for themselves.
That is why we want to speak out for ourselves and be heard in all aspects of our lives. What we say needs to be valued and respected whether we use our voices, assistive technology, sign language, or body movements.
People First members have been a major force behind getting legislation passed to require—when referencing individuals with disabilities—the use of respectful language that does not diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability.
“Respectful Language”
BELIEF STATEMENT
We believe that all people have the right to speak up and speak out for themselves.
That is why we want to speak out for ourselves and be heard in all aspects of our lives. What we say needs to be valued and respected whether we use our voices, assistive technology, sign language, or body movements.
People First members have been a major force behind getting legislation passed to require—when referencing individuals with disabilities—the use of respectful language that does not diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability.
“Respectful Language”
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Increased Community Supports
People with I/DD feel a sense of empowerment when they are able to get out in their communities. Many can’t do this alone or they need assistance while being out. We are asking legislators to increase community supports so that people are not isolated or restricted.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Increased Community Supports
People with I/DD feel a sense of empowerment when they are able to get out in their communities. Many can’t do this alone or they need assistance while being out. We are asking legislators to increase community supports so that people are not isolated or restricted.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
No Budget Cuts
The proposed cuts from DDA and DSHS will have a serious and disproportionate impact on so many people across the state of Washington.The impact of these cuts will be deeply felt. Cutting services and reducing eligibility will affect the lives of many existing clients and those who aren’t clients but should be. Please do not make these budget cuts.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
People First of Washington, Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) and Allies in Advocacy have written an open letter opposing these cuts. You can OPEN A PRINT VERSION HERE, or listen to it here:
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that all people have the right to have a job that provides a living wage, opportunity for advancement, and personal fulfillment.
That is why we want jobs that:
- complement our abilities;
- provide equal opportunities for competitive wages, benefits and retirement;
- incorporate choice and change;
- focus on career advancement;
- and increase quality of life.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
End Sub Minimum Wage
We believe that all workers should be paid minimum wage or above. No person with disabilities should be denied an equal wage! We need to end sub-minimum wage in public and private businesses.
Legislation Currently
Under Consideration:
PASSED!!
Under Consideration:
Senate Bill 5284: Eliminating Subminimum Wage Certificates for Persons with Disabilities.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that all people have the right to make the decisions that affect and direct their lives.
To support us leading the process, we need equal access to information, resources, facts and supports. The significant people in our lives, such as family, guardians, case managers, co-workers, friends, bosses, and personal support staff should assist us in a self-directed process to form these decisions.
Important DDA client rights legislation was passed in 2020. You can OPEN A PRINT VERSION HERE, or listen to it here:
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Parenting Supports
for I/DD
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, whether or not they have a disability. For parents with disabilities, having opportunities for support, like social groups, parent’s night out programming and coaching help to address the challenges all parents face, but those with disabilities are often left out of.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
Resources for Supported Decision-Making
(An Alternative to Guardianship)
Resources for Supported Decision-Making
(An Alternative to Guardianship)
Videos on DDA Client Rights
Overview
Personal Power
Making Choices
Planning
Discharge and Termination of Services
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe it is our human right to be included equally in our community without limitations.
- Inclusion means that everyone is valued, respected, and included in their communities in ways that are meaningful to them.
- Inclusion is more than access to buildings and bathrooms and buses.
- Real inclusion means that people with disabilities have equal access to information and support to understand and use it in their own lives. We each have an important role to play to make inclusion a priority and a reality in our community.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Nothing About Us
Without Us
People with I/DD want to be invited to and included around the table when decisions are made about them. People also want to be included on any issues that have a direct impact on the I/DD community.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe that all people have the right to get where they need or want to go.
We deserve equal opportunities to utilize public transportation for work, medical needs, education, recreation, family and community activities. Transportation helps to make and keep us independent.
2021 Legislative Agenda:
Accessible Transportation
People with disabilities often find challenges with finding transportation. Even a trip to the grocery store can feel like planning a vacation as you try to find a practical way from point A to point B. We ask for funding to make all transportation options accessible for all types of disabilities.
Click on the red play button below to play and pause audio.
We are stronger together.
Visit the websites of our other disability-led partners by clicking on the logos below:
Make Our Mission,
Your Mission
Join us to help advance this year’s legislative agenda. Turn your thoughts and wishes into influence and power.
Make Our Mission,
Your Mission
Join us to help advance this year’s legislative agenda. Turn your thoughts and wishes into influence and power.
People First of Washington
16815 Pacific Avenue South
P.O. Box 1180
Spanaway, WA 98387-9997
Access the People First
Zoom Room here:
Thanks for visiting! Our site is a work in progress. Help us by sending your ideas and feedback to Clayton Commercial Arts:
louisacclayton@gmail.com
People First of Washington
16815 Pacific Avenue South
P.O. Box 1180
Spanaway, WA 98387-9997
Access the People First
Zoom Room here:
Thanks for visiting! Our site is a work in progress. Help us by sending your ideas and feedback to Clayton Commercial Arts:
louisacclayton@gmail.com