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!
☕ Join the conversation at PEACE NW’s Legislative Coffee Chats – a space to talk about life with disabilities, your experiences, challenges, and hopes for better disability services in our community.”
To find your district visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder
20th LD - December 16th, 2025 1:00pm
Location: Address Provided upon Registration
Sen Braun, Rep Abbarno, Rep Orcutt
Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h286tk2
49th LD - December 16th 11:00am
Location: Address Provided upon Registration
Sen Cleveland, Rep Stonier, Rep Wylie
Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/87fba9j
2026 Developmental Disabilities Legislative Notebook Meeting.
Learn what to expect in this upcoming legislative session for individuals with developmental disabilities. Organizations will share their priority issues, and you will have access to important data and information to help you with your advocacy. Learn more here
2026 Advocacy Days
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.
Visit The Arc’s “Tools you Can Use” page to learn more about how you can be involved.
View the bill tracker and budget side by side.
For additional information: (888) 754-8798, ext. 6
or email Cathy@arcwa.org https://arcwa.org/