Public Policy Research, Analysis & Education
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Seeking positive change through public policy
Disability Rights Washington’s public policy work includes research, analysis, community education and organizing, and education of policymakers.
Our public policy work relies on participation by people with disabilities. Policy reform processes are often difficult for members of the public to access or understand. Disability Rights Washington works with individuals with disabilities to meaningfully access, educate and influence policymakers on issues that matter to them. Disability Rights Washington listens carefully to people with disabilities, then supports them in making their voices heard to bring policy reform. This approach assures disability rights, protections, and perspectives are upheld in a manner consistent with the real, expressed interest of people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Washington provides policymakers with information about threats to the rights and interests of people with disabilities, and opportunities for positive change, and then assists with the tasks of writing and implementing policy reform. Disability Rights Washington’s education efforts with legislators, administrative agency staff, and the courts have brought meaningful systemic change for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Washington forges links between policymakers and their constituents who have disabilities at all levels of government. This is done by working in coalition with both local and statewide advocacy groups, and working on policies that affect the rights of people whether in the state Legislature, city or county government, or in administrative departments and services.