@DRW

DRW welcomes our new Executive Director!

November 12, 2025After a nationwide search, we are excited to announce that Wallace (Wally) Tablit has been selected to lead Disability Rights Washington as our next Executive Director, starting November 12, 2025. Wally brings nearly thirty years of leadership experience in the disability rights and justice movements, with a passion and commitment for creating an equitable world for people of all identities and lived experiences. He has brought positive changes to communities across the Pacific Northwest as well as on the national stage and is a leading expert in competitive and integrated employment. Wally also brings extensive experience in organizational development, leadership, talent management, and person-centered planning. Learn more here!

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.

Breaking Barriers 2023: a Celebration of Disability Community

March 16, 2023Don't miss Breaking Barriers 2023: a Celebration of Disability Community on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 415 Westlake in Seattle, and virtually streaming. More information here!

Mark Stroh Retirement Announcement

March 10, 2023From Grace Wang, DRW Board Chair: On behalf of the Disability Rights Washington (DRW) Board, I’m writing to share that Executive Director Mark Stroh has announced his plans to retire this summer. We are so thankful for Mark’s 33 years of service to DRW and for his thoughtful, compassionate, and wise leadership. Read on.

Stop Blaming the Victim, Charleena Lyles Did Not Pull the Trigger

June 30, 2022“We stand by Mr. Lyles and the entire Lyles family when we say that individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis do not choose to die by suicide,” stated Darya Farivar, Disability Rights Washington Director of Public Policy, in attendance at the morning hearing. Read the full release here.

Join DRW’s Development Committee: Make a difference, mobilize your community, and increase our impact.

February 25, 2021Do you want to advance disability rights? Are you a community connector? Looking for a way to work with others who are passionate about social justice? Eager to mobilize people toward a common goal?

DRW End of Year Fundraiser

December 16, 2020“After my first meeting with DRW, Ethan and Darya asked if I would be interested in voting on an AVU that is accessible to someone with my disabilities. Not only can I vote, but I can vote with the same dignity and privacy that any other citizen would have. It is important for people with disabilities to have access to vote because your vote is your voice..."

Announcing New Leadership (and new upcoming workshops!) at Rooted in Rights

November 9, 2020Managing Director Rachel Miyazaki and Creative Co-Directors Allexa Laycock and Clark Matthews share years of experience promoting and producing accessible disability rights stories by and for disabled folks and allies at RiR, and we are thrilled to take on new roles as we launch into the future of Rooted in Rights.

Welcome DRW’s New Public Policy Director, Darya Farivar!

November 5, 2020We are delighted to announce that Darya Farivar will be our new Public Policy Director, effective November 1! Many of you already know of Darya’s accomplishments as a key member of DRW’s Trueblood team. Two years ago, Darya helped secure passage of SB 5444 – the Trueblood bill – landmark legislation that is bringing reform to forensic mental health.

Please join us in wishing David Lord well in retirement.

November 2, 2020We wish David Lord well as he begins his retirement from full-time work at Disability Rights Washington. It is impossible to adequately express the gratitude we feel for the time we have been able to work alongside him every day.

DRW SAMHSA Public Forum

October 26, 2020On December 8, 2020 representatives from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) will virtually visit Disability Rights Washington, which has offices in Seattle, Olympia and Spokane.

DRW is seeking a Contract Legislative Consultant

October 8, 2020DRW is seeking a legislative consultant to help us maintain a positive presence in the legislature and help us further solidify our reputation as a reliable and trustworthy source of information. DRW supports several different constituent engagement groups, and the Legislative Consultant may be asked to engage with them.

2020 Paid Public Policy Fellowship

September 25, 2020Disability Rights Washington’s (DRW) public policy team is looking for two public policy fellows for the 2021 legislative session. Deadline to submit: September 30th at 5 PM.