Focusing on ending abuse and neglect of people with disabilities who are incarcerated.

AVID works to end the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities who are currently incarcerated in Washington State, while also supporting long-term efforts toward disability justice. We strive to partner with those who are most harmed by ableism and racism, to center their experiences, and support their leadership in movements for collective liberation.

Program Updates

DRW welcomes Lauren Rolfe to the AVID team!

May 12, 2026In March 2026 DRW's Amplifying Voices of Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities (AVID) program welcomed Lauren Rolfe as an Attorney. Learn more about Lauren here!

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 Reaches Agreement with DOC to Improve Care For Transgender People with Disabilities

October 11, 2023On October 11, 2023, Disability Rights Washington (DRW) filed a complaint and settlement agreement in federal court to resolve allegations that the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) is violating the U.S. Constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Rehabilitation Act in its treatment of incarcerated people with disabilities who are transgender.

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.
More program updates