Independant Living Day Rally

Hundreds Expected to Assemble on the Capitol Steps at Independent Living Day Rally

Advocates from around the state will gather Wednesday to urge legislators, governor to support people with developmental disabilities and their quest to live independently in their communities.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Developmental Disabilities Council will join approximately 500 people, donned with blue scarves and Develop Abilities buttons, as they gather on the Capitol steps Wednesday, March 11 to support independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The Independent Living Day Rally will start at 11 a.m. Advocates for independent living want to ensure their message reaches the legislature and the governor: that all people with disabilities should live in their local communities with the support of community-based programs rather than live in residential habilitation centers (RHC) and institutions.

United under the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” advocates will speak in support of independence and the Governor’s Proclamation will be read, proclaiming March 11, 2009 as Independent Living Day. In addition, special guests, The Raging Grannies, will lead rally participants in songs of celebration.

Self advocates and advocates will focus their day’s efforts on encouraging the legislature to maintain the community service systems that are currently available. They also will urge lawmakers to support the governor’s budget for people with developmental disabilities. In addition, advocates will ask state leaders to begin to consolidate and close the five state institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Cost comparisons show that the closure of the institutions will allow people to live in their local communities and will save the state money. The average annual cost for one person with developmental disabilities to live in the community is $101,000, whereas the average annual cost for that same person to live in an RHC is $205,495.

The Independent Living Day Events are sponsored by PAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State, Developmental Disabilities Council, Association of Centers for Independent Living and Disability Rights Washington. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.

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The Arc of Washington State will have information for each legislator on the consolidation and closure of state institutions and the need to provide services in the community. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver the information, contact Emily Rogers at (888) 754-8798 or see her after the rally at the bottom of the capitol stairs.

We have bright blue scarves for advocates to wear with a button that says “Develop Abilities”. In addition, please wear bright blue colors to help identify the presence of our group to legislators. It will be cold out so remember to dress warmly.