In this issue:
- Self-Advocates in Leadership Honored at Arc National Convention
- Free Training: History of the DD Movement
- 2009-2010 Council Member Recruitment
- 2010 Legislative Reception

Self Advocates In Leadership (SAIL), a statewide self-advocacy organization is being honored at the Arc of the United States’ 2009 National Convention. The award is given annually to an advocate or group of advocates who’ve achieved a significant advocacy victory that improved the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. SAIL is a project that is partially funded by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council.

The SAIL Coalition will receive the 2009 Advocacy Matters! Award for their work on the Disability History Month Bill of 2008. The bill designated the month of October as Disability History month and implemented history courses and lessons focused on disability awareness and education into all levels of education throughout the month of October.

Emily Rogers, one of the SAIL representatives who will be accepting the Advocacy Matters award, maintains that the groups’ efforts have made a difference in numerous legislative matters. “ In Washington, SAIL was founded on the vision that self advocates must have a powerful voice in the legislative and public policy process at the state level, “said Emily. “Who better to talk with law makers than people with developmental disabilities who either directly enjoy or bear the consequences of the decisions that are made?”

SAIL Coalition representatives will also be presenting at a breakout session at the conference where they will discuss some of their local accomplishments and teach other advocacy leaders and self advocates how to affect policy and advocacy efforts in their states. For more information about SAIL, visit SAIL’s website. (link)

The Council will be offering a free training about the history of the developmental disabilities movement at the Federal Way Marriott on November 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Disability is a minority culture, engaged in a civil rights movement and has its own unique history. Andrea Kadlec from Disability Rights Washington will be the evening’s facilitator. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this evening of interactive learning. For more information about the evening, contact Linda West by phone at 800.634.4473 or by email.

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is beginning a recruitment process for new Council members. “We are looking for people with developmental disabilities (self advocates) and parents/family members of people with developmental disabilities", says Larry Garman, chair of the Membership committee, "If you are eligible and up to the challenge, I strongly urge you to apply."

Serving on the council is a great chance to make a difference. “I’ve served on the Council for five years, “says Larry, “And I know that participating has made a difference for me personally and the lives of many people throughout Washington state.”

Candidates will be screened and interviewed by a team of Council members. Finall appointments are made by the Governor.

If you are a person who wants to become involved in making change, then consider applying to become a Council member. More information about becoming a Council member is located at the Council member’s “Become a Member” webpage or you can contact Linda West by phone at 800.634.4473 or email to linda.west@commerce.wa.gov. You can also go to YouTube and watch videos which describe what the Council does and what Council members do.

The Council, along with other disability organizations, will be holding the 30th annual legislative reception on January 20th at the Columbia Room in the Legislative Building. The reception is an opportunity to meet with legislators about issues of importance to people with disabilities and those who care about them.

Change is made by those who show up. The legislative reception is a chance to mingle with those who make change. To find out more, download the reception flyer (link) or contact David Maltman by phone at 800.634.4473 or by email to david.maltman@commerce.wa.gov.

To prepare for the reception you may wish to attend the Legislative Briefing on DD Issues. It will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 on January 20th at the United Churches of Olympia. For more information about the briefing, contact Donna Patrick by pohne at 800.634.1143 or by email to donna.patrick@commerce.wa.gov.