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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.
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.
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.
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Senate Bill 6419 Passes State House
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actions by advocates.
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actions by the legislature.
To join the SHUT THEM DOWN coalition,
please email Krista Milhofer at People First of Washington:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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:
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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:
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.
Senate Bill 5284: Eliminating Subminimum Wage Certificates for Persons with Disabilities.
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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:
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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.
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BELIEF STATEMENT:
We believe it is our human right to be included equally in our community without limitations.
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.
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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.
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.
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Join us to help advance this year’s legislative agenda. Turn your thoughts and wishes into influence and power.
Join us to help advance this year’s legislative agenda. Turn your thoughts and wishes into influence and power.
People First of Washington
P.O. Box 1180
Spanaway, WA 98387-9997
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
P.O. Box 1180
Spanaway, WA 98387-9997
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