Letter to legislators from 48 organizations: Close RHCs

/in /by Cathy

The Arc of Washington State is proud to stand alongside 48 members of the Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities and urge legislators to support the consolidation of state-run institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs).

Earlier this month, we sent this joint letter to legislators and urged them to pass SB 5393/HB 1472 and further consolidate state-run institutions, give residents the choice to transition safely into community settings as they are able, and create opportunities for investing in the community services that people with disabilities are asking for. As stated in the letter,

“It is critical that adequate services are provided in community settings. Those of us with the most complex needs can and are supported successfully in the community. All relevant research supports the fact that community settings result in improved quality of life in areas such as: integration, social participation, employment, choice-making and self-determination, quality and duration of services, contact with friends and relatives, and other indicators of quality of life.”

As community advocate and leader Shawn Latham said in his guest editorial in The News Tribune this week:

“For those of us at risk of being institutionalized, the closure of these facilities represents Washington’s ongoing commitment to moving away from segregated living and our willingness to invest in care that centers the humanity of people with disabilities.”

We urge the legislature to stand fast with their commitment.

Click here to open the PDF of the letter in a new tab.

CAC_consolidate IDD institutions_0407 2025

Disability Rights: From History to Action

/in , /by Sarah

Disability Rights: From History to Action

I love history—especially learning how movements begin, how ordinary people make extraordinary differences, and how the threads of their work are still woven into our lives today.

Recently, I watched several powerful documentaries about the civil rights movement for people with disabilities. One that stood out was “Change Not Charity,” the incredible story of how, 35 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) came to be.

Watch the full documentary

Jennifer’s Climb

One of the most defining moments featured is the Capitol Crawl—when activists with disabilities, including 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan, left their wheelchairs and physically crawled up the 83 steps to the U.S. Capitol. That moment captured the urgency and power of the movement and helped push the ADA across the finish line.

Closer to home, I watched “Together We Were Stronger,”  a film that reminded me of Washington State’s own legacy in disability rights. A small group of passionate families and advocates here fought to make education a civil right for all children—regardless of ability. Their efforts helped lay the foundation for what would become the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that every child has access to a free and appropriate public education.

What struck me most was this: change didn’t start with politicians. It started with people—individuals and families—telling their stories, organizing, and showing up to demand better.

If you have the time, I encourage you to watch these films. Be inspired by the advocates who came before us—and consider how we can continue their work today.

 Where Are We Now?

Despite decades of progress, many hard-won rights remain under threat—from proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Administration for Community Living, to efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, which protects the civil rights of students with disabilities under IDEA.

State Advocacy in Action

Here in Washington State, disability advocates are still fighting—and winning—important policy changes. During this legislative session, several impactful bills have passed thanks to community organizing and public testimony:

  • SB 5501 – Concerning Employer Requirements for Driving.
    Read the bill summary
    Removes the requirement to have a driver’s license for jobs that don’t involve driving—opening doors to employment for many qualified people who had previously been shut out.
  • SB 5680 – The Right to Repair Mobility Equipment
    Read the bill summary
    Gives individuals the right to repair their own wheelchairs or use independent repair shops, reducing dangerous wait times caused by backlogged dealers.

When the bill was at risk of stalling, dozens of wheelchair users showed up in person at the Executive Committee hearing—and it passed!

Amazing Advocates at the 5680 Executive Session!

Closing Institutions: A Civil Rights Issue

The Arc of Washington supports HB 1472, the bill to close Rainier and Yakima Valley Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs).

Read the bill summary

This is about more than just policy or fiscal savings—it’s a civil rights issue.

The Arc believes that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else: to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. Institutional settings often restrict freedom, isolate people from society, and limit their choices. In contrast, community living empowers individuals with disabilities to make decisions about their lives, build relationships, and thrive.

Federal laws like the ADA and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirm that unnecessary institutionalization is a form of discrimination. People deserve access to services in the most integrated, least restrictive setting appropriate.

This week, self-advocates Mike Raymond and Shawn Latham were featured in a thoroughly reported article about HB 1472 written by Laurel Demkovich at Cascade PBS. Arzu Forough of Washington Autism Alliance and our own Executive Director Stacy Dym were also interviewed.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the introduction:

“Mike Raymond doesn’t remember a lot about his time at Rainier School, a habilitation center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

But he still thinks about moving heavy bricks all day, serving on a fire line, and being tied to his bed. Raymond, now 78, spent 14 years at the school. He moved out at age 20, when his sister invited him to live with her.

Since then, he’s gotten married, had a child and become a staunch advocate for closing the facility where he spent all those years.

“We’ve been fighting for a long time,” said Raymond. “Shut them down.”

Read the full article here:  WA lawmakers propose closing schools for people with disabilities.

Image from Cascade PBS

Be Part of the Movement

Individuals with disabilities have faced a long struggle to obtain civil rights. Whether it’s IDEA, Section 504, the ADA, or closing institutions, the movement has always been led by strong activists who spoke up, showed up, and made change happen. And that struggle continues today.

The truth is, these inspiring advocates weren’t superheroes—they were ordinary people who wanted to make a difference and took action. By taking small actions, we ALL can make a difference.

With that in mind, will you join us today as a free Member of the Arc? By signing up, you are joining the ranks of a powerful grassroots movement that is family-focused and person-centered.

You’re saying, “Count me in. I’m an advocate for disability rights.’

BECOME A MEMBER

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

-Cathy Murahashi

Exciting possibilities to come from DSHS restructuring

/in /by Stacy Dym

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) recently announced a series of changes to its organizational structure effective May 1st. Their statements are included in full at the bottom of this blog.

As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are excited for the possibilities that will emerge from the creation of a new state agency called The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), integrating home and community-based services within the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).

While there is still much to learn and understand about this restructuring, Washington state must move toward a future that focuses on the design of care around each individual’s needs within their home and community. Changing government systems to encourage innovative thinking, better responsiveness, and less reliance on institutional care and state-run facilities is a first step.

We are hopeful that this integration will allow for a more holistic approach to long-term care and better-focused efforts on strengthening home and community-based services. We know that habilitation services are crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential and participate fully in society.

Additionally, we are optimistic that the creation of the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) – as a result of merging the Behavioral Health Administration with the Residential Habilitation Centers – will encourage the use of these facilities primarily for crisis response and stabilization in addition to specialized evaluation and intervention rather than long-term residential placements over decades of a person’s life.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve our very best efforts to ensure they are fully included and supported in their lives in the community and free from isolation and institutional care. We stand ready to support our community of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and disability rights advocates during this hopeful transition. As stated in the announcement below, anyone with questions or input should reach out to DSHS directly at reimagine@dshs.wa.gov.

In community,

Stacy Dym

Executive Director
The Arc of Washington State

“While there is still much to learn and understand about this restructuring, Washington state must move toward a future that focuses on the design of care around each individual’s needs within their home and community. Changing government systems to encourage innovative thinking, better responsiveness, and less reliance on institutional care and state-run facilities is a first step.”

– Stacy Dym, Executive Director, The Arc of Washington State

From: DSHS RE Secretary Messages
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 1:15 PM
Subject: Reimagining DSHS – Stakeholder Message

 

April 3, 2025

Dear DSHS Community Partners and Stakeholders:

I am writing to let you know about our efforts to Reimagine DSHS and best serve the people of Washington state: where we are and where we’d like to go. I would also like to invite you to help us get there. Our paramount goal remains improving access to services by identifying and removing barriers while adapting quickly to public policy shifts and ongoing fiscal uncertainty.

We have started to organize our agency in a way that makes it easier for clients and staff to get what they need, beginning with some shifts in the Office of the Secretary. Most of these are internal and will have little to no impact on our relationships.

Where we want to go

Our efforts to Reimagine DSHS must lead us to improved outcomes, make the best use of limited and rapidly changing resources, break down silos and promote self-direction and person-centered care. Now is the time to begin this work.

Beginning May 1, DSHS will create the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration for all DSHS clients who receive residential habilitation and behavioral health services in state-operated facilities where they reside 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This change merges the Behavioral Health Administration with the State Operated Living Alternatives and the Residential Habilitation Centers.

We also will create the Home and Community Living Administration that serves all clients who receive home and community-based services through the state’s contracted network of providers. This brings together the community side of the Developmental Disabilities Administration with the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration.

As part of the efforts to streamline business processes, smaller parts within DSHS, like the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, will draw upon infrastructure and resources that exist in larger organizations within the department, like the Economic Services Administration.

Within this new structure, we will continue to focus on the people we serve and maintain our commitment to partnering with them, their families and our community partners.

What happens next

As of May 1, you can expect a few things outside of what was outlined above: The basic organizational structure and leadership of some areas of DSHS may be different. Some leaders and managers may have different supervisors, and you may have different points of contact, depending on which parts of DSHS you work with. Everything else will stay largely the same.

Over the next year, we’ll begin more in-depth work to Reimagine DSHS and we will seek your input in a variety of ways. We are also going to engage with tribal governments and staff as well as the people we serve, all of whom will be central to this work because of their lived experiences.

Even though this effort is happening while our state and federal funding are at the top of all our minds, it is not a budget-cutting exercise. We are working to realign and restructure DSHS in a way that measurably improves people’s experiences with our department, and we are striving to be less bureaucratic, and more welcoming of all Washingtonians, as Gov. Ferguson has challenged us to be.

Thank you again for your continued partnership and collaboration. If you have questions and input, please send them to reimagine@dshs.wa.gov. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more with you again soon.

Fondly,

Cheryl

CHERYL STRANGE / Acting Secretary

Office of the Secretary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

 

From: DSHS RE Secretary Messages
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2025

 

April 11, 2025

Dear DSHS Partner and Stakeholder:

As a follow up to the Reimagine DSHS update last week, I wanted let you know who will lead the two restructured administrations, effective May 1.

Kevin Bovenkamp, currently BHA assistant secretary, will lead the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration that will serve DSHS clients who receive care in our state operated services and 24/7 facilities. As I noted in my April 3 update, this administration now brings together BHA with the SOLAs and the RHCs.

Bea Rector, currently ALTSA assistant secretary, will head up the Home and Community Living Administration that will serve clients who receive home and community-based services through our network of providers. This administration merges the community side of DDA with ALTSA and includes Adult Protective and Residential Care Services.

Tonik Joseph, currently DDA assistant secretary, will be assuming the role of special assistant in the Home and Community Living Administration and report to Bea. Her work will focus on the continuity of programs, services and initiatives across the two new administrations.

I want to reinforce that the May 1, reorganization is the beginning of a larger effort to enable us to support clients with multiple service needs in a more dynamic way. At this point, we are setting the framework for the future of DSHS and the real work lies ahead with opportunities for stakeholder and client engagement to reduce bureaucracy, silos and put more emphasis on supporting clients. We look forward to engaging with you, obtaining your input and perspectives on how to improve access to services as this process unfolds. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Fondly,

Cheryl

CHERYL STRANGE / Acting Secretary

Office of the Secretary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

 

Legislative Update: Wait! Just When We Thought We Were Coming to the End!

/in , /by Sarah

Legislative Update: Wait! Just When We Thought We Were Coming to the End!

On March 24th, both the House and Senate released their budgets, and we thought we were on the downhill slope of the legislative session. Then, on the afternoon of April 1st, Governor Ferguson held a press conference stating that he would not sign off on either the House or Senate budgets, citing concerns about sustainability and reliance on tax increases.

What Does This Mean?

Typically, by this stage in session, a small group of legislative leaders move behind closed doors to negotiate a final budget agreement to present to both chambers and the Governor. Now, the House and Senate must go back and adjust their budgets before moving on to the next step of negotiating with the opposite chamber to align with what the Governor will approve. If they don’t reach an agreement, the Governor may call a special session and extend the final deadline for legislators beyond April 27, the scheduled last day of this session.

For us, that means that now is not the time to ease up. Your advocacy is needed to ensure that services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are protected in the final budget! We need you to continue reaching out to your legislators about the importance of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Your Voice Has Been Heard—But We Must Keep Pushing!

Both the House and Senate initially protected critical services, including:

  • Maintaining eligibility for Developmental Disabilities (DD) services, ensuring continued access for those in need.
  • Preserving Personal Care hours, maintaining essential support for individuals requiring daily assistance.
  • Keeping Waiver services intact, avoiding reductions in crucial community-based supports.
  • Sustaining provider rates, preventing a decrease that could negatively impact the workforce vital to our community.

These services could now face renewed scrutiny, and we need your advocacy to safeguard them!  Tell your legislators to “Protect Essential Services”.

Small but Meaningful Investments

Despite significant budget constraints, the House and Senate acknowledged the importance of ensuring individuals with I/DD have meaningful activities. Both budgets include a “Day Habilitation” line item that provides:

  • A modest increase in rates for community respite, community engagement, and specialized habilitation (now called “Life Skills”).
  • A slight increase in monthly respite hours (by 1 or 2 hours), which, while small, is a step in the right direction.

If these services are important to you, now is the time to urge legislators to protect this funding in the final budget. If you don’t know who your legislators are, Then, give them a call and tell them which services matter most to you.

The Closure of Rainier RHC

Both the House and Senate budgets include the closure of Rainier Residential Habilitation Center (RHC). The House version also proposes closing Yakima Valley School, while keeping:

  • Overnight planned respite beds
  • Crisis stabilization beds

A big thank you to those who signed in to support SB 5393 and HB 1472! While this is a significant step forward, negotiations are still ongoing. The Arc has an info sheet as well as a resource sheet available for you to share with legislators to ensure informed decision-making.

Concerns Over Residential Services Funding

One area of concern is the lack of parity in Residential Services (Supported Living) funding. The House budget includes a 3% increase in Medicaid provider rates, while the Senate budget provides no increase at all. At a time when we need to strengthen community services, this is a serious oversight. We encourage you to reach out to your Senators and urge them to match the House’s funding level for Supported Living Medicaid provider rates

A Bright Spot: Housing Investments for the I/DD Community

We are excited to see $55 million in the Senate budget and $50 million in the House budget dedicated to developmental disabilities (DD) housing. These investments continue the momentum toward addressing the identified need for 37,000 housing units for individuals with I/DD.

It’s important to note that the Capital Budget is separate from the General Fund, meaning these housing investments are not subject to budget cuts.

The Final Push: Keep Advocating!

While we had hoped to be closer to the finish line, the Governor’s stance means we must keep up the advocacy momentum. Now is the time to make your concerns and support known to your legislators.

Stay informed by following our bill tracker and budget side by side.

At the Federal Level, Medicaid continues to be at risk.  Please continue to reach out to your Congressional Delegation and them “No Cuts to Medicaid”.

Watch our Action Alert Center for updates.

View our Medicaid Resource Page for tools you can use.

Thank you for your continued advocacy. Let’s keep pushing forward!

Save the Dates: 

Legislative Session Wrap Up Webinar

Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00 PM

Come hear how the session ended!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ifkWptZ6RwKCCU93x1aXuA

 

Federal Advocacy Updates Webinar

Wednesday, May 21st at 7:00 PM

Learn what is happening at the Federal Level and how you can help!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K316ahZRRFaqBhqzV2BLEg

 

We hope you can join us!

– Cathy Murahashi

Your Voices Are Being Heard

/in , /by Sarah

Your Voices Are Being Heard

Spring is in full swing, and so is our advocacy work—both at the state and federal levels. We are over halfway through the 105-day state legislative session. At this point in the year, when the sun starts coming out more but the long slog of reading news and testifying on bills starts to feel dreary, it’s essential to reflect on how much we’ve already accomplished together. The bottom line is this: your advocacy is making a difference.

Thanks to your support and the dedication of our network of hundreds of members of The Arc:

  • Hundreds of disability rights advocates signed in to support crucial bills aimed at consolidating Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) (HB 1472 / SB 5393).
  • More than 1,000 community members wrote letters to elected officials in response to our Medicaid Matters alerts, amplifying the call for Medicaid protections.

Your stories are being heard by at the highest levels of government. Julie Clark, Chair of the Developmental Disabilities Council, was invited to share her story at a press conference hosted by U.S. Senator Patty Murray in Olympia this week, and she absolutely rocked it!

“I lived in a shared house. I love that in my own home…I can go anywhere I need or want, but I require a caregiver for safety,” Julie said in her speech. “Everyone deserves to have a quality of life – to work and to live in their own home in their community. Medicaid cuts would be very harmful to myself and those like me. Cuts would affect my living situation drastically because I would be forced to live in an institution.”

Julie’s advocacy reached many this week, and we invite you to watch her impactful story: Watch Julie Clark’s Story

Senator Patty Murray/ Julie Clark

Share Your Medicaid Matters Story

Your voice is powerful and can influence change just like Julie. We are collecting stories from our community of how cuts to Medicaid would impact your life. Please, consider submitting your Medicaid Matters story as a video or a written story here: Medicaid Matters Story Submission Form

Keep the Pressure on Congress

Your Congressional delegation needs to hear from you about the critical importance of Medicaid. You may feel like you’ve already taken action many times, but remember—Congress keeps track of every call and message, and that data plays a role in decision-making.

If you want to help keep the pressure on, make yourself a reminder to call multiple times a week. Sharing that you care about Medicaid over and over again is one of the most important ways we can advocate to avoid cuts:

Call the Hands off Medicaid Hotline to reach Congress: 866-426-2631

Or send an email using our tool: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-medicaid-is-a-lifeline-for-people-with-disabilities

Budget Updates: Stay Alert, Stay Engaged

We anticipate the State Senate and House budgets will be released next week, and we’re eager to see how legislators plan to address the $12-$14 billion budget shortfall. Key questions remain:

  • What mix of cuts and new revenue (income) will they propose?
  • How will essential services be impacted?

We are deeply concerned about potential cuts to critical services. Our message remains clear: Cuts Cause Crisis! Take care of yourself this week and we’ll all be ready to advocate when the time comes.

Follow our budget tracker for the latest updates:
View Budget Tracker

Stay Informed on Key Legislation

Bills are still making their way through the legislative process. Keep track of them here:
View Bill Tracker

Thank you for your continued passion and advocacy. Together, we make a difference!

– Cathy Murahashi

Protecting Community Services: A Critical Moment for Advocacy

/in , /by Sarah

Last Wednesday, spring was in the air—the sun was shining, and a few early daffodils peeked through the grounds of the Capitol. It was a beautiful day, made even more powerful by the nearly 300 advocates who gathered on the steps of the Capitol to rally for community services. SAIL, The Arc, The DDC, Community Residential Services, and other disability advocates united in a strong call for action. Chants of “Shut them down” echoed in response to the proposed closure of Yakima Valley and Rainier schools. Representatives Darya Farivar and Jamila Taylor stood with us, lending their voices in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With looming budget cuts, protecting community services is more critical than ever. Legislators must understand that cutting the community safety net will only lead to costly crises down the road.

Legislative Update

We have now reached the halfway point of the legislative session. Last Friday marked the deadline for bills to move out of committee—those that did not advance are now considered dead. This significantly narrowed the list of bills were are tracking.

This week, legislators will be debating bills on the House and Senate floors. By next Wednesday at 5:00 PM, all bills must be passed out of their house of origin to remain in consideration.

Key Bills Still in Motion

  • HB 1130 has successfully passed out of the House. This bill would prioritize waiver access, particularly for individuals aged 45 and older, who are most likely to be living with aging parents and in urgent need of services.
  • SB 5680/HB  1826 aims to grant individuals the right to repair their own mobility equipment. Currently, even minor repairs can take months—this bill could empower people to fix their equipment themselves, reducing delays and improving quality of life.
  • SB 5501 seeks to eliminate the requirement of a driver’s license for jobs where driving is not a job-related task. This would remove a significant barrier for many people with disabilities who are fully capable of performing job duties but cannot drive.

Budget Concerns

On February 27th, Governor Ferguson proposed an additional $4 billion in budget cuts beyond those outlined in Governor Inslee’s proposal. While this was not a formal budget, it highlighted his priorities: K-12 education and public safety. He also made it clear that more cuts could be coming. You can view our side-by-side comparison of the budgets here.  The House and Senate budgets should be coming shortly.

Although the Governor’s proposed cuts do not currently impact eligibility or service hours, the final House and Senate budgets remain uncertain. House Democrats recently released a document providing insight into what an all cuts budget  might look like—and it’s sobering. This also gives us a glimpse into what the potential federal cuts might bring.

Federal Budget Implications

Two weeks ago, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a budget resolution, the first step toward a “Budget Reconciliation.” While this does not mean immediate cuts, it does set the overall size of the federal budget and funding allocations for the next decade.

The next step is for it to move to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, where it has been tasked with cutting $880 billion from its budget. To put this into perspective, once Medicare and Medicaid are excluded, the remaining budget is only $581 billion. This makes it clear that deep cuts to Medicaid and Medicare are on the table.

If these budget targets pass through the committee, they will proceed to a full House vote. From there, the Senate will negotiate differences between its version and the House’s proposal, where changes could still be made.

What Can You Do?

Massive budget cuts are not inevitable, and there are still many opportunities to advocate for critical community services. Reach out to your state legislators and congressional delegation and tell them why Medicaid matters to you. Your voice can make a difference in shaping the final outcome.

Together, we can protect the essential services that so many people with disabilities rely on. Stay engaged, stay informed, and keep advocating!

Watch the Medicaid Matter Stories Here. 

Navigating the Budget Crisis: Looking to the Past or Investing in the Future?

/in , /by Sarah

Navigating the Budget Crisis: Looking to the Past or Investing in the Future?

This has been a relatively quiet time at the Legislature.  The quiet is likely because legislators are contemplating the reality of the 10- to 12-billion-dollar budget hole and how they are going to manage it.  Devastating cuts could be looming, and it is sobering. The bill cutoff is this Friday, February 21st; many bills will die, especially those that have any fiscal impact. Tough decisions are ahead and the potentially catastrophic cuts at the Federal level make it all the more difficult.  Next week we expect to see Governor Ferguson’s budget released and we anticipate even deeper cuts than were in Governor Inslee’s budget.

Sometimes difficult decisions can present opportunity.  In Governor Inslee’s budget he made the bold recommendation to close Yakima Valley School and Rainier School.  These are both very old institutional facilities for individuals with IDD, also known as Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs). Rainier opened in 1939 and Yakima Valley in 1958.  At the peak of state-run institutions in the late sixties and early seventies, there were more than 4,000 people with IDD residing at them. Our state still has four RHCs that house about 450 residents with IDD. This represents less than 1% of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) caseload but consumes 10% of the DDA budget. The cost for the care of the individuals and the upkeep of the facilities averages almost $1700 a day per person.  In stark contrast, the average daily cost for personal care and all waiver services for individuals living in the family home is only about $170 a day – more cost-effective by a factor of ten.

These facilities opened at a time when families had few supports and options.  Children with disabilities could not go to school and there wasn’t Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid to provide income and services. Families were left to fend for themselves.  These facilities were opened as a way to relieve these families.  Families were told that their child would be cared for throughout their entire life and that keeping them at home would ruin their families.

It is now recognized that with intervention, people with developmental disabilities grow and develop and are capable of achieving major developmental milestones. We have community resources that were not available when these facilities were established. All these factors help parents keep families together and have improved and extended the lives of individuals with IDD.  All the research shows that community-based care is “best practice” for individuals with IDD.

 

The 1999 Olmstead Supreme Court decision made clear that unnecessary institutionalization is discriminatory. Individuals have the civil right to live in their community.  18 states have now closed all their institutions.  Except for Washington, all the West Coast states have closed all of their institutions or have plans to close them in the near future.

We are at an important moment.  The threat of cuts looms large. We may be facing a time of scarcity of services.  Some people think that we need to preserve these institutions as a “last resort” placement. However, if we do this, the cost of these placements will continue to rise, and the availability of community resources will shrink.  The question we need to ask ourselves is “Do we want to continue to look to the past and perpetuate old models or do we want to look to the future and have appropriate community placements as the “last resort”? We need to invest in and strengthen the community so that everyone can live, work, learn, and play in the community.  If not now, when?

Together!

Cathy Murahashi

 

Advocacy Days Blog: Medicaid Matters

/in , /by Sarah

Medicaid Matters

Medicaid is often seen just as healthcare, but it plays a much larger role, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). For these individuals, Medicaid provides critical funding for vital services, including residential, personal care, respite, and job support. In fact, nearly all services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) are funded by Medicaid.

Watch Corinna’s story about why Medicaid Matters to her.

Medicaid is a partnership between the state and federal government. In Washington State, the federal government covers 50% of Medicaid Waiver services, while the state pays the other half. Some services, like personal care, have a slightly different funding ratio of 56% from federal and 46% from state sources.

Why should you care?

Washington State is facing a fiscal crisis that is projected to be between $10 and $12 billion over the next four years. Since most of our DDA services rely on Medicaid funding, state legislators have limited options for budget cuts without risking service reductions, eligibility changes, or decreased rates. Currently, many bills that require additional funding are being “held” until they determine the financial situation.

We know that DDA has been chronically underfunded. Cuts to our system would only cause harm.

Recently, parents Lee Springate and Bob Wheeler published an editorial in the Seattle Times expressing their concerns about cuts to state services.

“All adults with IDD are already facing service cuts because of the acute shortage of qualified caregivers. This is at a time when approximately 2,000 adults with IDD are living at home with parents over the age of 60 and in need of immediate placement outside the family home. The remaining 11,000 adults living at home will need to transition to community placement within the next 10 to 20 years, resulting in an unfunded state liability above $1 billion annually (by year 20).”

While we face these potential cuts at the state level, there are significant threats to funding happening at the federal level that could seriously impact our Medicaid services. These changes could happen quickly, so we need to be proactive with our advocacy.

What Can You Do?

For individuals with I/DD and their advocates, this situation underscores the need to advocate for our Medicaid services. It’s vital to reach out to our state legislators and Congressional representatives to protect these crucial services.

Your voice is crucial in advocating for the future of Medicaid services!

Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session!

/in , , /by Sarah

Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session!

Our first live Advocacy Day since the pandemic took place on Wednesday, the 15th. We were thrilled to see 90 advocates in person and 30 more joining us online! It was wonderful to see your enthusiasm and commitment to advocacy.

The day was filled with excitement, including the inauguration of our new Governor, Bob Ferguson. In his inaugural speech, Governor Ferguson outlined his key priorities: providing free school breakfasts and lunches for all public school students, increasing law enforcement presence, protecting reproductive freedom, and expanding housing opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and collaboration, earning a standing ovation. We hope this is a positive sign for the days ahead.

The inaugural gala was a night of celebration that shined, sparkled, and rock & rolled.  Now that all new legislators have been sworn in, it’s time to get down to the business of lawmaking and budget planning.

Advocacy and Budget Challenges

With a new governor, staff, and legislators, there will be a learning curve on developmental disabilities (DD) issues. If you have a new legislator representing your district, take the opportunity to introduce yourself and share your story—early impressions tend to stick with them.

The state faces a projected $12-14 billion deficit over the next four years. The causes of this deficit vary depending on perspective, but key factors include increased caseloads, new programming that was started with pandemic-era federal funding and inflation. This leaves the legislature with two primary options: cutting services or raising revenue—both of which are unpopular. Agencies have already been instructed to freeze hiring, limit travel, and restrict equipment purchases. Unfortunately, the annual DD Community Summit has been canceled due to budget constraints. Advocacy will be essential to protect our vital services.

Given these financial limitations, new programs requiring significant funding are unlikely to be approved. Instead, policy bills with minimal or no fiscal impact have a better chance of progressing.

Proposed Institutional Closures

In response to the budget deficit, Governor Inslee has put forward a bold proposal to close Yakima Village School and Rainier School. Rainier is a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC), while Yakima Village provides nursing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 18 other states have closed all their institutions entirely, while Washington still retains 4.  Currently, 10% of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget serves those in RHCs, despite them making up less than 1% of DD clients.

Legislation has been introduced in both chambers to support these closures:

It is critical that with the closure of RHCs, adequate investment in Community Services must be made to ensure a smooth transition to the community. In particular Supported Living needs rate increases so they are prepared to receive new residents.

Key Legislative Bills to Watch

  • HB 1130– Prioritizes individuals for DDA waivers when availability is limited, particularly those aged 45 and older, addressing the need for aging parents to secure long-term supports for their children.
  • HB 1200 & SB 5211– Allows parents of minor children with high support needs (E and High B categories) to be paid care providers.
  • HB 1344– Expands access to respite care by adding it as a service under the Basic Plus Aggregate services.

Several important education funding bills aim to increase special education funding by raising the cap, adjusting multipliers, and enhancing inclusive education. You can track all the bills we are following here: Bill and Budget Tracker

Get Involved!

There are many ways you can participate in advocacy efforts:

If you missed our “Medicaid Matters” town hall, you can view the recording here.

Thank you for your commitment to advocacy. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference!

Cathy Murahashi

2025 Advocacy Days Are Here!

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The 2025 Legislative Session begins on January 13th, presenting us with challenges as the legislature anticipates a $10-12 billion shortfall over the next four years. This means significant cuts, increased revenues, or a combination of both may be necessary. What does this mean for developmental disability services?

We need to advocate for the protection of our essential services!

What Can You Do? 

Join us for Advocacy Days!

Register here to learn more about the issues at hand and how you can help. Advocacy Days will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Kick-off Event: January 15th
Join us at United Churches in Olympia for our LIVE kick-off event. The morning program will be live-streamed, and the afternoon will allow you to schedule appointments with your legislators.

Following the kick-off, the rest of the Advocacy Days will be virtual, making it easier for individuals across the state to participate. We are also coordinating with several organizations that will host live rallies in conjunction with our virtual events. Stay tuned for more details!

To view the 2025 Advocacy Days Schedule Visit and Register: https://arcwa.org/advocacy/advocacy-days/

 

Connect with your Legislator!
Many new legislators may be unfamiliar with developmental disability (DD) issues, so now is the time to educate them. Your long-standing legislators also need to hear that DD services must be a priority. Share how important these services are and urge them to protect DD services.

Find your legislator’s contact information here: Legislator Finder. For information on new legislators, visit our candidate site: 2024 Elections.

 

DD Legislative Notebook:

For issue papers and information, check out our DD Legislative Notebook: 2025 Legislative Notebook – The Arc Washington.

Sign up for our Action Network here: Action Network Sign-Up. The Arc of Washington Action Network keeps you informed about important legislative budgets and policy issues that require immediate attention, connecting you directly to your legislators.

You can also subscribe to “News to Know” to receive updates on critical issues affecting individuals with I/DD and their families. Subscribe here: https://arcwa.org/news-to-know-sign-up/

Town Hall: “Medicaid Matters”

Medicaid is more than healthcare, it funds all Home & Community Based Services for people with I/DD. The Arc of Washington State hosted a virtual town hall to discuss more about why it matters, potential service threats, and how you can be involved. Watch the recording here.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference!

Cathy Murahashi, Public Policy Specialist, The Arc of Washington

cathy@arcwa.org

Advocacy Days, part of The Arc’s Advocacy Partnership Project, provide individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and service providers the opportunity to engage in the legislative process, make their voices heard, and influence policy and budget decisions that impact the services and support they receive.