Disability Rights Washington
Washington's Protection and Advocacy System

Disability Rights Washington is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Our mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. We work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.

Program Updates

Now Hiring: Deinstitutionalization Impact Litigation Attorney

October 17, 2025DRW's Treatment Facilities Program seeks an attorney with a demonstrated interest in conducting impact litigation and other systemic advocacy to enforce the legal rights of individuals with disabilities who are subject to or at risk of abuse, neglect, or other human and civil rights violations, especially as it relates to institutionalization. Learn more here!

Now Hiring: Prisoners’ Rights Impact Litigation Attorney

October 17, 2025The AVID Program seeks a litigation attorney with a demonstrated interest in conducting impact litigation and other systemic advocacy to enforce the legal rights of incarcerated individuals with disabilities who are subject to or at risk of abuse, neglect, or other human and civil rights violations. Learn more here!

Week Without Driving 2025, Bigger Than Ever

October 6, 2025More than 500 individuals and 50 elected officials from across Washington State participated in this year’s Week Without Driving challenge which was celebrated by community organizations, transit agencies, transportation departments and public officials across our state. 

Facilities Team receives grant for housing policy work

September 30, 2025DRW received a grant from the Seattle Foundation to pursue housing policies and legislation in 2026 that support individuals with significant behavioral health needs. DRW’s Treatment Facilities team will use this grant to bring the voices of people with disabilities to policy conversations around emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing.
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Reports

Rooted in Rights

Office of DD Ombuds

Systemic Litigation

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@DRW

Facilities Team receives grant for housing policy work

September 30, 2025DRW received a grant from the Seattle Foundation to pursue housing policies and legislation in 2026 that support individuals with significant behavioral health needs. DRW’s Treatment Facilities team will use this grant to bring the voices of people with disabilities to policy conversations around emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing.

Ranked Choice Voting Accessibility Report

September 12, 2025This report researches the barriers and potential outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and makes recommendations for changes and accommodations.
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#SocialJusticeAllies

Journey to Justice Bus Tour

September 24, 2025In September, Disability Rights Washington's AVID Program partnered with the Survivors Opposing Solitary (SOS) Coalition, Look2Justice, and Unlock the Box, to host the Journey to Justice bus, which is on a cross-country tour to raise awareness about the harms of solitary confinement. The bus contains art, writings, and literature about solitary as well as a VR experience of solitary and a mock solitary cell. Learn more about the project here.

DRW brings voting registration and civic engagement into isolated treatment facilities

August 20, 2025DRW recently partnered with Civil Survival to provide trainings on voting rights and civic engagement to people held at four separate state psychiatric treatment facilities. Individuals in these facilities are often very isolated and politically disempowered.
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Our History

History

Photo: Disability Rights Washington’s founding mothers were also the force behind the nation’s first state education for all law.

The Protection and Advocacy System

P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under federal laws, to all people with disabilities.