Programs

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.

New report on restraint and isolation

February 9, 2023A new report from DRW and ACLU-WA investigates the use of isolation and restraint in schools across Washington state. Report findings show that restraint and isolation have no educational or therapeutic benefits but have profound disabling effects and result in lifelong harm. Read more here.

Report: Many Faces of Solitary

January 10, 2023Read the latest AVID report on the current state of solitary confinement in Washington State and the call for reform.

Civil discharge settlement agreement

December 16, 2022On December 2, 2022, after nearly a year of negotiations, Disability Rights Washington finalized a settlement agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Health Care Authority to address state hospital discharge delays, and better ensure that people are not confined in expensive, institutional settings longer than necessary.

Now hiring: Part-Time Office Assistant

December 13, 2022Disability Rights Washington (DRW) seeks a part-time (17.5 hours per week) Office Assistant to support the work of the Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds program in our Seattle office.

Rainier School Case filed in September – (G.G. et al. v Meneses et al.)

October 4, 2022The Rainier School is a large state-run, residential institution in rural Pierce County. It is a dangerous place to live. The mistreatment and neglect within its walls have maimed, hospitalized, and killed residents. Learn more about this case here.

DRW Amicus brief highlights the risks and dangers of involuntary inpatient civil commitment

September 21, 2022Disability Rights Washington, the ACLU of Washington, the Washington Defender Association, and the King County Department of Assigned Counsel have filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief in the Washington State Supreme Court. Learn more here.

Read Notice & Motion for Class Action Settlement for Youth in Foster Care

August 5, 2022Read Notice for Class Action Settlement for Youth in Foster Care and Plaintiffs’ Unopposed Motion for Order Approving Attorneys’ Fees and Costs Following Mediation.

Week Without Driving 2022 Announced with Proclamation from Governor Inslee and Video Invite from Washington Elected Leaders

August 1, 2022Governor Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring September 19-25 the Week Without Driving. This is the 2nd annual #WeekWithoutDriving, coordinated by the Disability Mobility Initiative at Disability Rights Washington, with support from dozens of co-hosting organizations from across the state. 

Washington State Reaches Groundbreaking Federal Class-Action Settlement for Youth in Foster Care

June 7, 2022Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) settled a federal class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of hundreds of youth in the state’s foster care system. Learn more here.

Final 2022 Legislative Newsletter

April 15, 2022Many of the bills of interest to disability advocates that passed this year were at least somewhat bi-partisan. In the “wrap-up” that follows, this newsletter will focus on the legislative accomplishments and additional funding that are important to disability advocates.