Self-Advocates In Leadership (SAIL) Announces Legislative Priorities for the Upcoming Washington State Session

 

Protecting Community-Based Services

 

SAIL’s top priority is establishing state-level protections based on the principles of the 1999 federal Olmstead decision.

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We are exploring whether Oregon recent efforts as well as Colorado’s HB 25-1017 could serve as a model for similar legislation in Washington State. Our goal is to ensure that Washington residents with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services can receive the support they need in their homes and communities.

 

This priority also includes:

• Preventing cuts to home- and community-based services.

• Maintaining sufficient funding for essential programs.

• Strengthening the provider workforce.

• Ensuring that service providers have the resources needed to support people safely and consistently.

We will be working with Representative Darya Farivar with support from Senator Caire Wilson.  

We also want to prevent budget cuts that would reduce service hours or eligibility, which would reduce our ability to lead meaningful lives in our communities.

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Expanding Accessible Housing and Transportation

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SAIL will advocate for more affordable and accessible housing throughout Washington.

Housing should also be located near dependable public transportation. Without accessible transportation, people may have difficulty reaching work, health care, stores, social activities, and other important parts of community life.

Housing and transportation must be planned together so people with disabilities can live full and meaningful lives.

 

Improving Emergency Services

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People with disabilities continue to face serious accessibility barriers during emergencies.

A person may be separated from a wheelchair, communication device, medical equipment, or other essential technology when transported by ambulance. Losing access to this equipment can threaten the person’s safety, health, communication, and independence.

SAIL supports policies and practices that:

• Keep mobility devices and medical equipment with the person whenever possible.

• Recognize the importance of support people during emergencies.

• Increase the number of wheelchair-accessible ambulances.

• Improve disability-related training for emergency personnel.

A perfect example of this:
 

The Cooper Jones Active Transportation Council received $175,000 to install lifts on some ambulances in four smaller counties, including Mason and Kitsap counties. SAIL would like to see this effort expanded statewide.

 

Possible partnership:

Allies in Advocacy is also developing first responder training to strengthen relationships between emergency professionals and the disability community.

 

Beginning Employment Services Earlier

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SAIL will collaborate with the Community Employment Alliance on a proposal to lower the age when young people can begin receiving employment services.

 

Current discussions include lowering the age from 21 to either 20 or 18. The final proposal may establish a gradual process for lowering the age over time.

Earlier access to employment supports can give students and young adults more time to explore careers, develop job skills, and prepare for competitive employment.

 

Supporting the Closure of Institutions

 

SAIL will support the proposal from People First of Washington and the Shut Them Down Coalition to close Washington’s developmental disability institutions by 2036.

The legislation will honor Michael Raymond, a respected advocate who worked to end institutionalization and promote community living.

SAIL believes that people with developmental disabilities should have meaningful choices, appropriate community supports, and opportunities to build lives in the communities they choose.