Community Voices for I/DD
PEACE NW believes that strong communities are built when every voice is heard including those of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
While our organization does not lobby, we are deeply committed to educating, informing, and empowering individuals and families to understand and participate in the public policy process that impacts their lives.
Why It Matters
Public policy shapes the systems that provide services such as education, employment, and inclusion for people with disabilities just to name a few. By understanding how these systems work and by participating in the process, families and individuals can help create positive change in their communities.
What We Do
Education & Awareness:
We share information about current issues, policies, and legislative proposals that affect individuals with I/DD and their families. Our goal is to help you understand how decisions are made and how those decisions impact disability services and supports.
Connection & Empowerment:
We help families and self-advocates learn how to communicate effectively with elected officials, tell their stories, and participate in public meetings or advocacy events.
Community Engagement:
Each year, we connect families to opportunities such as Advocacy Days, public hearings, and our biannual Candidates Forum — where community members can meet local leaders and learn about their positions on disability-related issues.
Get Involved!
Stay engaged. Stay informed. Stay connected.
When decision-makers understand the real-life impact of their choices, they are better equipped to protect critical services when it matters most. Join us to receive updates, action alerts, and opportunities to strengthen relationships that protect people with I/DD and their families
To find your district visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder
2026 Advocacy Days
In-Person Advocacy Days
Wednesday January 21 - Protect our Right to community Wednesday January 28- Protect our Right to Employment
Transportation Available
Leaving PEACE NW by 8am and returning by 5pm
Questions and to Sign up - Call Hattie Stigum at 360-823-2247 hatties@peacenw.org
We invite you to join us for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Days an opportunity for individuals with disabilities, the people who care for and about them, and our broader community to come together and be heard.
Advocacy is strongest when it reflects the full diversity of our community, including marginalized voices, intersectional identities, service providers, family members, and anyone committed to inclusion.
Your voice matters, your experience matters, and your presence helps shape policies and systems that impact all of us. Whether you are new to advocacy or a long-time champion, you belong in this space, and we hope you’ll stand with us to ensure the rights, needs, and dreams of people with developmental disabilities are truly seen and heard.
Attend Advocacy Days every Wednesday during legislative session.
Join a local advocacy group such as a Parent/Family Coalition (PEACE NW is home to the Clark County Parent Coalition) or a Self- Advocacy organization.
Visit The Arc of Washington State’s Online Action Center and sign up for alerts.
Important Links
Visit The Arc’s “Tools you Can Use” page to learn more about how you can be involved.
More Advocacy Groups
The Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) advocates for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Arc’s vision is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to be valued members of their communities with the opportunity to realize their full potential and a future that is secure.
The Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC) is a grassroots coalition for Developmental Disabilities that provides a platform for advocacy organizations to share information, educate one another on issues of mutual concern, and coordinate their legislative agendas to give people with disabilities a stronger voice in government affairs. The CAC accomplishes this task by advocating with a common voice for meaningful community living at the state and local levels.
https://www.ddc.wa.gov/dd-council-activities/community-advocacy-coalition-cac
The purpose and mission of People First of Washington is to assist all people to realize and appreciate that we are PEOPLE FIRST and our disabilities are secondary. We are equal citizens in our communities
The Community Employment Alliance (CEA) is a statewide coalition committed to advancing Supported Employment and Community Inclusion services for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.communityemploymentalliance.org/legislative-advocacy-current.html
Through advocacy programs, Open Doors for Multicultural Families equips individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate complex systems, share their lived experiences, and drive meaningful policy change. A culturally responsive, language-specific approach ensures that advocacy is accessible to all, regardless of background, education level, or communication style. https://opendoorswa.org/what-we-do/disability/advocacy-civic-engagement/
League of Education Voters champions an education system that provides every student in the state equitable opportunities for success from cradle to career.
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.
