Entries by Cathy

Tell the Governor to direct DSHS: We Cannot Cut Parent to Parent

[Español abajo] We need your help now. We just received unexpected news that Washington’s statewide Parent to Parent (P2P) program is at risk of losing its contract as soon as 30 days from now after 45 years of successful operation. This program is a vital resource and we cannot lose it, especially now. EMAIL THE GOVERNOR & YOUR LEGISLATORS If P2P is cut, […]

2026 Election Information for Voters

The outcomes of the 2026 elections will play a significant role in shaping the future of our state and our nation. The Arc of Washington State is committed to helping voters make informed decisions by providing information about candidates and their positions on issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and […]

In this newsletter: the latest news about disability advocacy in Washington State

We’re about a month out from the legislative session, but that doesn’t mean things are quiet. Here’s what’s happening and what to watch that matters for people with IDD and loved ones. Responding to Harmful Language Thank you to Senator Claire Wilson, Shawn Latham (SAIL), and Kendra Wolf (People First) for publishing an important op-ed […]

It’s Over: Sine Die

We made it through legislative session—hurray. It was quite a show: a record-breaking 24-hour House floor debate over the millionaire tax, a Senator using an offensive slur about developmental disabilities on the floor, and, as the House prepared to vote on the final operating budget, a fire alarm went off that evacuated the Capitol. You […]

Our Words Matter: a blog by self-advocates Jessica and Shawn

Words should be used with respect to human beings, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Words should never be used to discriminate or dehumanize individuals. Written By Jessica Renner and Shawn Latham from Self-Advocates In Leadership Wednesday, March 4th,, 2026, on the floor of the Washington State Senate, Senator Leonard Christian from the 4th […]

The End is in Sight: Keep the Pressure On

The legislative session is quickly winding down. Bills must be out of the opposite house of origin by Wednesday and out of fiscal committees by March 2. Session adjourns on March 12. Most of our priority bills are still alive — and that is good news. You can view the status of bills here. Last […]

Why We Need a Roadmap for the Future

Why Washington Must Invest in Long-Term Planning Now We are almost halfway through the legislative session, and it has been a flurry of activity—hearings, executive sessions, meetings—it’s all a bit of a blur. Wednesday, February 4, marked the first major cutoff, when bills needed to be passed out of policy committees. The next key deadline […]

DD Advocacy Blog: We rallied in Olympia!

On a beautiful but cold Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of individuals with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates from across Washington State gathered on the Capitol steps to raise their voices in unity. Their message was clear and urgent: protect the right to community living and preserve the essential services people with disabilities need to live full, […]

Letter to legislators from 48 organizations: Close RHCs

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 […]