Ages 6-14: Advocacy

For families, this may include learning how to advocate for their child at school, with service providers or in the community. Families may also want to learn how to share their stories and speak up about issues that matter to them with decision-makers, including legislators. For children, self-advocacy can mean learning how to share what they like, what they need, what helps them and when they need support. As children become teens, they may also want to learn about self-advocacy groups, connect with peers and explore ways to speak up about what matters to them.

Parent Advocacy

Parent to Parent (P2P)

P2P provides support and information to families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. Local offices are located in every area of the state and can be found in your phone book or by visiting its website.

Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE)

PAVE provides advocacy, support and workshops on issues related to education, IEPs and inclusion.

Parent Coalitions

Parent and Family Coalitions in Washington State work to help families find their voices to become effective advocates and be heard on issues important to them and their family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Families learn that they can be a powerful, nonpartisan voice for positive change in their community, across the state and federally.

Self Advocacy

People First of Washington

People First of Washington promotes self-advocacy in all areas of a person’s life. In many parts of the state, they are creating self-advocacy chapters in high schools. For more information, call People First toll-free at 1-800-758-1123.

Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)

Self Advocates in Leadership, known as SAIL, also offers many opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to shape the services and policies that affect their lives. For more information about SAIL, contact the Arc of Washington State at 1-888-754-8798 or visit SAIL’s website.

Allies in Advocacy

Allies in Advocacy is a group of individuals with disabilities who came together to strengthen the disability civil rights movement, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Legal Advocacy and Protection

Disability Rights Washington
Legal services for disability rights violations, general information about legal rights, community education and training.  1-800-562-2702

NW Justice ProjectCivil legal assistance and representation to low-income people in situations affecting basic human needs, such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.  1-888-201-1014 (Outside King County) | 2-1-1 (Inside King County)

Washington LawHelpProvides information about legal issues and where to find legal help for low-income individuals.

END HARMIf you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, call this number: 1-866-363-4276 The operator will connect you with the right DSHS office to make your report. [Note: If you are calling about an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.]

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