The Disability Advisory Council (DAC) was established before 2010 to advise Disability Rights Washington (DRW) on its advocacy work. In recent years, the DAC has focused on building power within the disability community by supporting DRW’s Protection and Advocacy for Voting Accessibility (PAVA) work created under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). DAC is actively seeking members who understand or want to learn alongside us about disability justice to help us keep growing and cultivating our work!
What does the DAC do?
- Plans and facilitates listening sessions to solicit feedback from those furthest from privilege and most in need of DRW services,
- Educates the public about the services and programs provided by DRW when attending and participating in community events,
- Meets as a full group four times a year, and in smaller committees in between the full council meetings, and
- Supports DRW voter outreach and civic engagement activities by tabling events, registering individuals to vote, and engaging in local and statewide voter advocacy opportunities.
What are the benefits of serving on the council?
- Strengthen your voice and share your lived experience to craft DRW’s priorities.
- Expand your understanding of disability advocacy issues and learn alongside staff about Disability Justice.
- Work directly with DRW’s constituents and support them in using their voice.
- Make connections and build relationships with advocates from different backgrounds and different lived experiences.
- Help spread awareness about resources for individuals with disabilities in your community.
Who serves on the DAC?
The DAC is exclusively made up of people with disabilities. The council seeks members from all areas of Washington from communities of color, LGBTQIA individuals, justice involved individuals, survivors of institutionalization, and other underrepresented communities. Council terms are staggered with a maximum of three years possible.
What is the time commitment?
The DAC meets four times a year on the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November. Members are actively engaged in activities between meetings with a time commitment ranging between 4 to 10 hours per month with the opportunity to receive a stipend.
Meetings happen online and are open to the public with the opportunity to provide public comment. If you are interested in attending or providing public comment, please email us at info@dr-wa.org or call us at (206) 324-1521 or toll free at (800) 562-2702. Language interpreters are available upon request. Please use 711 for Washington Relay Service (TTY).
Apply Today!
The advisory council accepts applications on a rolling basis and reviews applications as there are vacancies. For more information or to sit in on a meeting contact us at info@dr-wa.org and apply to the council here.
All applications will be held for one year from their time of submission.