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

We Need a Safe, Accessible and Complete Sidewalk Network

September 18, 2023Just like we can expect our city to build and maintain roads, the same should be true for our sidewalk network. We believe that any time our city repaves a road, the Seattle Department of Transportation should also take action to repair broken and inaccessible sidewalks and install any missing sidewalks along the corridor. 

Now Hiring: Investigator

August 29, 2023Disability Rights Washington (DRW) seeks an Investigator to uncover and stop possible financial exploitation and other forms of abuse. Learn more and apply today!

Court again holds WA DSHS in contempt, imposes $100M in fines and orders changes to hospital admission policies

July 10, 2023The State of Washington has once again been held in contempt for its decade-long failure to provide timely psychiatric services to people with serious behavioral health disorders and other disabilities who are stuck waiting in jails. Learn more and read the Order here.

Now Hiring: Impact Litigation Attorney

March 16, 2023DRW’s Legal Advocacy Team seeks a litigation attorney with a demonstrated interest in conducting impact litigation and other systemic advocacy to enforce the legal rights of individuals suffering from abuse, neglect, or other human and civil rights violations. This position will require a licensed attorney, or an individual who will soon become a licensed attorney, with the ability to conduct systemic investigations, develop complex advocacy strategies, and represent both classes and individuals. Learn more now.
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Reports

Rooted in Rights

Office of DD Ombuds

Systemic Litigation

Tools to Help You

Your Feedback

@DRW

Now Hiring: Investigator

August 29, 2023Disability Rights Washington (DRW) seeks an Investigator to uncover and stop possible financial exploitation and other forms of abuse. Learn more and apply today!

Breaking Barriers 2023: a Celebration of Disability Community

March 16, 2023Don't miss Breaking Barriers 2023: a Celebration of Disability Community on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 415 Westlake in Seattle, and virtually streaming. More information here!
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#SocialJusticeAllies

Statement on the Overturning of Roe v. Wade

June 27, 2022Governments judge and control disabled bodies and minds daily. Following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which overturned Roe v. Wade, it is easier for the government to judge and control disabled people than it has been at any other time in the last 49 years. Read more here.

DRW Statement RE Derek Chauvin Verdict

April 23, 2021While Disability Rights Washington celebrates the fact that Derek Chauvin is being held accountable for his murder of George Floyd, we cannot ignore that accountability here does nothing to address the many deaths of Black people by law enforcement that have occurred before and since this murder. This conviction, although an important and necessary example of accountability, is not a systemic solution to the violence and harm against BIPOC communities by law enforcement.
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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.