Disability Rights Washington
Washington's Protection and Advocacy System

Disability Rights Washington is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Our mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. We work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.

Program Updates

New! Long-Term Care Resident Rights program

December 19, 2025On January 5, 2026, DRW opens its statewide Long-Term Care Resident Rights (LTCRR) Intake Line.  This new program, which is funded through the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA), provides legal information, advice, and representation to people on Medicaid who are threatened with discharge or transfer from community-based long-term care facilities. Learn more here.

DRW 2026 Legislative Agenda

December 10, 2025These issues have been identified by Disability Rights Washington (DRW) Programs and their constituents for focus during the 2025 legislative session. This list is not exhaustive and may change as the session progresses.

DRW welcomes our new Executive Director!

November 12, 2025After a nationwide search, we are excited to announce that Wallace (Wally) Tablit has been selected to lead Disability Rights Washington as our next Executive Director, starting November 12, 2025. Wally brings nearly thirty years of leadership experience in the disability rights and justice movements, with a passion and commitment for creating an equitable world for people of all identities and lived experiences. He has brought positive changes to communities across the Pacific Northwest as well as on the national stage and is a leading expert in competitive and integrated employment. Wally also brings extensive experience in organizational development, leadership, talent management, and person-centered planning. Learn more here!

DRW joins Washington State Immigrant Solidarity Network

November 5, 2025In October 2025 Disability Rights Washington became an organizational member of the Washington State Immigrant Solidarity Network. In doing so we affirm our commitment to the disabled community and organizations supporting those currently being profiled due to their race, ethnicity, and/or national origin and aim to support local efforts to defend immigrant and migrant communities. Learn more here.
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Reports

Rooted in Rights

Office of DD Ombuds

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@DRW

DRW welcomes our new Executive Director!

November 12, 2025After a nationwide search, we are excited to announce that Wallace (Wally) Tablit has been selected to lead Disability Rights Washington as our next Executive Director, starting November 12, 2025. Wally brings nearly thirty years of leadership experience in the disability rights and justice movements, with a passion and commitment for creating an equitable world for people of all identities and lived experiences. He has brought positive changes to communities across the Pacific Northwest as well as on the national stage and is a leading expert in competitive and integrated employment. Wally also brings extensive experience in organizational development, leadership, talent management, and person-centered planning. Learn more here!

Facilities Team receives grant for housing policy work

September 30, 2025DRW received a grant from the Seattle Foundation to pursue housing policies and legislation in 2026 that support individuals with significant behavioral health needs. DRW’s Treatment Facilities team will use this grant to bring the voices of people with disabilities to policy conversations around emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing.
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#SocialJusticeAllies

Journey to Justice Bus Tour

September 24, 2025In September, Disability Rights Washington's AVID Program partnered with the Survivors Opposing Solitary (SOS) Coalition, Look2Justice, and Unlock the Box, to host the Journey to Justice bus, which is on a cross-country tour to raise awareness about the harms of solitary confinement. The bus contains art, writings, and literature about solitary as well as a VR experience of solitary and a mock solitary cell. Learn more about the project here.

DRW brings voting registration and civic engagement into isolated treatment facilities

August 20, 2025DRW recently partnered with Civil Survival to provide trainings on voting rights and civic engagement to people held at four separate state psychiatric treatment facilities. Individuals in these facilities are often very isolated and politically disempowered.
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Our History

History

Photo: Disability Rights Washington’s founding mothers were also the force behind the nation’s first state education for all law.

The Protection and Advocacy System

P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under federal laws, to all people with disabilities.