Disability Empowerment Center

02/17/2026

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and more than 25 million Americans are low vision.

The The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. shares these tips for how to support and empower fellow community members with low vision:

Low Vision Awareness Month raises awareness about the challenges faced by people with low vision and offers guidance on empowerment

02/10/2026

If you missed our last Understanding Ableism webinar, you can watch it now on our YouTube channel.

We had a great conversation about what it means to travel with a disability.

Our panelists were:
- Laura Loe – Find a Ride Program Manager, Hopelink
- Kenny Salvini – President and Founder of Here and Now Project
- Dorian Esper-Taylor – ADA Coordinator for Pierce Transit

Watch or listen to the episode:
youtube.com/watch?v=XSOmINbqqQo

Get a recap on our blog:
disabilityempowerment.org/blog/understanding-ableism-january-2026

In this recorded webinar, from January 2026, we examined what it means to travel with a disability. Travel can be an opportunity. It can be independence and ...

02/09/2026

We’re glad to share this new opportunity from PROVAIL and The Arc of King County. Say It Your Way is a new social group for AAC-using wheelchair users ages 18+, created in response to community feedback. Join an introductory information session on Wednesday, March 4, from 3:00–4:00 pm at PROVAIL in Seattle. For questions or to RSVP, email jkim@arcofkingcounty.org.

02/09/2026

Spotlight on Artists with Disabilities!

Our February session of our FREE Understanding Ableism webinar series will explore what it means to create art as a person with a disability in a wide-ranging field that often overlooks access.

Artists with disabilities have long challenged stereotypes, reshaped narratives, and broadened cultural imaginations. Yet barriers still remain in forms of limited visibility, typecasting, inaccessible venues, and systems that prioritize certain bodies and voices over others.

Our incredible panelists include:
- Kristin Nygaard – Program Director, AIM – Arts for Everyone
- Teresa Thuman – Co-Artistic Director, Sound Theatre Company
- AnnaClaire Laush– Development Manager, 3rd Decade
- Lucy Bert – Executive Assistant, Disability Empowerment Center

Tuesday, Feb. 17
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Pacific
Platform: Zoom
Accommodations: Sign language interpretation and CART provided
Register: disabilityempowerment.org/events

02/06/2026

Happy Blue Seahawks Friday!

Did you know? Blind and low-vision fans attending Sunday's Superbowl game will have a new way to experience the game play.

A haptic device allows someone to feel the game through a personal tablet-sized map of the field. Vibrations across the device match what's happening in the game.

Learn more (and 🏈 Go Hawks!):

Some blind and low vision fans will get to use haptic tablets at Super Bowl 60. It allows them to feel the ball as it moves around the field.

02/05/2026

Sharing from WA State IL Council:

Save the date for this great conversation!

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE
Representing the Cross-Disability Community: A Panel Discussion
Join the Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) for an inspiring event where you’ll hear directly from members of the cross-disability community.
This panel will highlight the diverse experiences—physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, and developmental—that shape our community. Come listen to powerful stories and innovative ideas that advocate for a more inclusive and accessible future for everyone.
Event Details
• Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM (PST)
• Location: Online via Zoom
Join the Conversation
Access the meeting on the day of the event using the link below:

Join meeting: https://bit.ly/3M0r3My

About WASILC
The Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) is dedicated to promoting advocacy and independence. By sharing these lived experiences, we work together to find thoughtful solutions to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities every day. 🌈✨

02/05/2026

It's the shortest month of the year!

But that doesn't mean we're short on programs. In fact, we have so many great events happening in February, it's a great time to get connected to your community!

Here's a glimpse:
- Get Ready Together Emergency Prep webinar series: Four Tuesdays in Feb
- Virtual Peer Group: Wednesday, Feb. 11
- North End 50+ Peer Group: Friday, Feb. 13
- Understanding Ableism - Artists with Disabilities webinar: Tuesday, Feb. 17
- Westside Peer Group: Thursday, Feb. 19
- Eastside Peer Group: Tuesday, Feb. 24

Find RSVP info and more details on our website:
disabilityempowerment.org/events
[Visual: Green and gray wavy lines with blue and orange circles and the text "Join us for a Peer Group, Free!"]

02/04/2026

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:

Need a little extra support while traveling? Travelers invisible disabilities such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss can pick up a free Sunflower lanyard at SEA to signal that you may need more time, patience, or assistance. Available at info desks near Checkpoints 4 & 5 (pre-security) and Gate A5 (post-security). 🌻

Learn more at: https://www.portseattle.org/page/hidden-disabilities

01/30/2026

Get Ready Together!

We have revamped our Emergency Preparedness Webinar Series to be in a more interactive format.

Join us for this FREE four-part workshop series to learn about the basics of emergency preparedness.

We encourage people with disabilities and their friends, families and caregivers to attend. Participants will leave with step-by-step practical resources and a better understanding of how to prepare for earthquakes, winter weather and other disasters.

Time:
12-12:30 p.m. Pacific​

Location:
Virtual via Zoom

Dates:
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: What to prepare for in Seattle
- Tuesday, Feb. 5​: Evacuating versus sheltering in place
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: Utilities and preparing for power outages
- Tuesday, Feb. 12: Communication and making a plan

RSVP: To receive the Zoom link, register here in advance: tinyurl.com/ready-together

Request accommodations at info@disabilityempowerment.org.

01/23/2026

Happy Friday!

Learn about Seattle Adaptive Sports and all the cool ways kids are getting to be active and play:

Seattle Adaptive Sports helps kids with disabilities compete, build confidence, and find community through wheelchair basketball and more.

01/16/2026

Our offices will be closed on Monday in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

If you're looking for ways to get inspired or involved this weekend, here's a list of local events to celebrate Dr. King's legacy:

https://www.parentmap.com/article/mlk-activities-for-seattle-area-kids-and-families

01/15/2026

Washington should streamline oversight of Supported Living services so limited Medicaid funds go further and taxpayers see real value, two legislators write.