3 things you can do to be present and speak up
One of the biggest barriers - maybe the biggest - with public services is that people without disabilities do not give a lot of thought to the needs of people with disabilities when it comes to policy and investments. So we end up with services that at best are challenging to access (DDA's No Paid Services list), and that all too often segregate out people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (public education) and so limit access. Or, they just don't align well with community need (Adult Family Homes, segregated developmental preschools).
One key thing disability advocates can do is introduce themselves to elected representatives. Tell your story. Help them understand that decisions they are making on the public's behalf are leaving people with disabilities behind.
Another is to review and assess proposed policy with a disability lens. Is it universally designed? Does it comply with civil rights? Will it help you, or hurt you?
Advocacy can be as simple as being present and giving feedback.
The state legislative session starts January 13. It is a short one (60 days), and there are already bills being drafted or proposed that affect people with disabilities. For instance, a big one from Senator Randall would forecast and fund long-term Medicaid services for people with I/DD as entitlement. That means if you qualify, you would get services. There are House and Senate bills in the works to expand early learning; at least one calls out the need to ensure any preschool expansion MUST include children with disabilities and factor in their support and access needs. (And, no, unfortunately that sort of thinking is not automatic).
If you want public policy to reflect and address your needs, you need to get into the mix.
There are lots of ways to engage, but to keep it simple, we're flagging three.
1. Attend an Engage! training. We have two set for January 11: Public Policy Basics, and Advocacy Tips and Tools. You can attend one, or both.
2. Attend our legislative overview, January 14, part of our ongoing education and outreach for the King County Parent and Family Coalition.
3. Go to Olympia. Attend a hearing; watch from the gallery. Stop by your elected leaders' offices. Leave messages. Let them know you are present. We are coordinating support for 10 advocacy days - seven I/DD-specific with The Arc of Washington, plus ones for early learning, K-12 education, and housing.
Using social media to learn and share is great. But change happens when people take action in the community.
