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. Disability Rights Washington works with individuals with disabilities to meaningfully access, educate and influence policymakers on issues that matter to them.
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.
Program Updates
September 9, 2019DRW's public policy team is looking for one additional public policy intern for the 2020 legislative session.
September 6, 2019A state legislator has requested a formal legal opinion from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office asking whether anti-discrimination laws would prevent state lawmakers from creating methods for local governments to prohibit people with mental health disabilities from living in their communities after receiving inpatient treatment.
May 16, 2019The Trueblood bill, SB 5444, was signed by Governor Inslee on May 9, 2019! We received strong support from advocates throughout the entire legislative process. Changes created through the bill will help transform Washington's mental health system.
February 12, 2018Disability Rights Washington opposes HB 2822 because it punishes people with disabilities as a response to business owners’ misunderstandings and the lies of nondisabled people using fake service animals.
More program updates
