Programs

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!

DRW joins Washington State Immigrant Solidarity Network

November 5, 2025In October 2025 Disability Rights Washington became an organizational member of the Washington State Immigrant Solidarity Network. In doing so we affirm our commitment to the disabled community and organizations supporting those currently being profiled due to their race, ethnicity, and/or national origin and aim to support local efforts to defend immigrant and migrant communities. Learn more here.

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.

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.

How Would You Get Around If You Couldn’t Drive Yourself?

September 16, 2025Washington State, September 29 to October 5, 2025 -- Imagine your life without driving. Could you navigate your daily routines, reach your workplace, doctor's office, or connect with loved ones? This year, community organizations, public officials and transit agencies across Washington State are planning walk/roll events, transit bingo and bus ride-alongs, speaking events, proclamations and even bench installations as part of this year’s celebration of the Week Without Driving. 

DRW is Hiring an Executive Director

June 3, 2025Disability Rights Washington (DRW) is seeking our next Executive Director (ED). With a mission to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities, and relying both on lived and learned experience, we work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights. The next ED will build on a legacy of impactful work across the state that has positioned Disability Rights Washington as one of the premier Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies in the country. Are you, or someone you know, a demonstrated strategic, visionary leader that might be our next ED? If so, click here to learn more or apply today!

Governor signs law allowing wheelchair users to repair their own mobility devices

May 19, 2025May 19, 2025 – Disability Rights Washington joined Governor Ferguson, Senator Hansen and Representative Gregerson in Olympia today at the

New Bill Gives Transit Agencies Opportunity to Include People Who Rely on Transit to Improve Service

May 12, 2025Today Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law HB 1418 which adds two voting members that are transit users to the governing body of public transportation benefit areas. This law amends Washington state law to allow PTBAs to appoint two voting members to their governing boards, one who is transit-reliant and one from an organization that serves transit-reliant communities.

Victory! Governor Signs Law to Limit Exclusionary Employment Practices with Unnecessary Driver License Requirements

April 22, 2025- Disability Rights Washington joined Governor Ferguson and Senator Stanford in Olympia today at the Bill signing for SB 5501. This bill prohibits an employer from requiring a driver's license as a condition of employment, or including a statement in a job posting that an applicant must have a valid driver's license, unless driving is an essential job function or is related to a legitimate business purpose for the position

Phase out isolation and prevent restraint

January 21, 2025Restraint and isolation are leftover practices that come from the days of institutionalization. They have no educational or therapeutic benefit and cause lifelong harm for students and for educators. These practices are used disproportionately against students with disabilities, students of color, students who are homeless or live in foster care, and students who are low-income.

2025 Legislative Agenda

December 14, 2024These issues have been identified by Disability Rights Washington (DRW) Programs and their constituents for focus during the 2025 legislative session. This list is not exhaustive and may change as the session progresses.