Disability Rights Washington

09/03/2026

Judy Heumann spent her life fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. Her advocacy helped shape human rights legislation and policy for children and adults with disabilities that remain critical in protecting our communities today.

🎬 Her story—and the movement she built—is one we can't wait to experience on the big screen.

09/02/2026

for our Disabled creatives!

Disability Culture Lab invites you to share your labor-related essays and illustrations for October, tied to National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disabled Women's Equal Pay Day. Deadline: September 11.

09/02/2026

This is such a good list to start your support during .

Bookmark it, share it, and don't let it end when September does. And check out the resource link in the post below!

09/01/2026

"It's time for a change." James Ian mentioned it twice during his keynote on the Black disabled experience through his story.

Diagnosed with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at 15, he's spent his career pushing for disabled artists to be seen, heard and cast as themselves. During SMA Awareness Month and Black August, he tied his own journey to NAKHLAH's themes: resilience, generosity, and rooted creativity—the same qualities that let a palm thrive under pressure.

📽 Check out the full talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGRsoXkMDnk

09/01/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to add your perspective to The Pathfinder Project!

In less than 5 minutes, you can help shape the research that informs disability-inclusive hiring and retention strategies and supports organizations serving the veteran community.

Don't miss your chance! Take the survey before it closes today: https://disabilityin.tfaforms.net/5025353

[ID: graphic with a blue and green geometric background and a large white circle centered on the page. At the top of the circle is the Disability:IN logo. Large navy text reads, “Final Day to Participate in The Pathfinder Project.” A QR code with the Disability:IN logo is centered below the headline. At the bottom, blue text reads, “Help strengthen employment systems for disabled veterans in less than 5 minutes!” The graphic encourages viewers to scan the QR code to take the Pathfinder Project survey.]

09/01/2026

📢 Attention all D/deaf, and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adults in Washington!

A Doctor of Audiology student at Central Michigan University is conducting an IRB-approved research study on the healthcare experiences of DHH adults—specifically communication barriers and accommodations during healthcare visits.

🔹 Takes about 15-20 minutes
🔹 Anonymous
🔹 You're not required to use a hearing device to participate.
🔹 Your responses could help shape a nationally published study

Your participation will have an incredible impact. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/3QFfCMZ

📎 Flyer with more details below.

Image description: Research participant flyer with illustration of two figures communication in sign language, a graph and text on the details and requirements to participate in a study for Central Michigan University, including a QR code and contact information.

08/31/2026

Your vote—no exceptions. And every disabled voter deserves the tools to exercise it fully.

Join us and disability rights partners from across the country for this free voter education webinar on Tuesday, September 15. 🗳️

📣 UPCOMING EVENT: Are you ready for the midterm elections? Join us for a Voter Education + Engagement webinar!

Learn the answers to questions like:

☑️ What are midterm elections
☑️ Why are they important?
☑️ What’s on the ballot?
☑️ How can you cast your vote?
☑️ What accommodations, resources, and rights are available?

Your vote matters! Make sure you know how to make your voice heard on election day.

🗓 September 15
⏰ 4:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual webinar
🎙 Featuring voting rights experts from NDRN, The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights California, and American Association of People with Disabilities.

Register today: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1I9SYsl0Sf2670gRqxRNsA #/registration

08/27/2026

In the United States, living with a disability—or caring for someone who is—often means navigating a system that penalizes economic mobility and financial stability.

For millions of Americans, the "hidden cost" of disability is embedded in systemic structural barriers that force families and adults into impossible financial choices such as:

The Marriage Penalty: Adults who rely on Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid for essential health care face benefit cuts or complete loss of coverage if they choose to marry.

The Income Cap Tightrope: For families raising medically complex children, even a modest 1% cost-of-living raise at work can push household income over strict state thresholds, threatening critical Medicaid waivers that pay for specialized nursing and life-support equipment.

Ford Foundation U.S. Disability Rights program grantees are working to advance economic justice for the more than 40 million Americans living with a disability.

Learn more about how Patrice and Garry are fighting for marriage equality for everyone in the disability community: https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/stories/the-cost-of-i-do-in-the-disability-community/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=DisabilityDemandsJustice&utm_content=DisabilityPatriceGarry

Learn how families are mobilizing into action for medically complex children with Little Lobbyists: https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/stories/an-economic-tightrope-for-families-with-medically-complex-and-disabled-kids/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=DisabilityDemandsJustice&utm_content=DisabilityLittleLobbyists

08/27/2026

Good News Thursday: Great update from Lyft on accessibility.

Lyft is taking steps to allow more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access rides paid for through Medicaid home and community-based services programs.

08/26/2026

Thank you, Haggen! 💚

We're grateful Disability Rights Washington will receive $6,500 from Haggen and the Haggen Foundation to help power our work protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities across our state.

This total reflects register donations from customers like you, plus contributions from the Haggen Foundation through their "Chip in!" promotion—proof that community generosity, one register at a time, adds up to real impact!

Because of your generosity, our Inspiring Change Together Campaign raised over $94,000 for local organizations making a real difference in our community. Thanks for inspiring change, together! 🙌