Disability Empowerment Center

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.

01/14/2026

Opportunity to share your thoughts!

🌟 Call for Panel Speakers: Representing the Cross-Disability Community! 🌟

The Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) is seeking passionate speakers to join us for an upcoming panel discussion focused on the diverse and important voices within the cross-disability community. 💬

What are Cross-Disabilities?
Cross-disabilities encompass a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, and developmental disabilities. Each experience is unique, and together, they highlight the importance of inclusivity.

Why They Matter:
By sharing stories and innovative ideas, we can work towards thoughtful solutions that address the challenges individuals with disabilities face every day. Let’s inspire our community to embrace diversity and advocate for a more inclusive future! 🌈✨
If you or someone you know would like to be a panel speaker, please reach out to Courtney Williams at courtney.williams@dshs.wa.gov

01/13/2026

Our popular webinar series, Understanding Ableism, is back for 2026 with great topics to explore.

Join us in January for a discussion on accessibility in travel! ✈

Travel can be an opportunity. It can be independence and connection. Travel also can involve uncertainty and risk. Our panelists will discuss these varied experiences and reflect on how travel can shape participation in work, education, family life, and leisure. The discussion will highlight both the barriers that restrict movement and the creativity and resilience that make travel possible.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Sign language interpretation and CART will be provided.
FREE

RSVP and additional accommodations: disabilityempowerment.org/events

[Visual: Photo of an airplane against a blue sky with puffy white clouds. ]

01/09/2026

Happy Friday!
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01/08/2026

Inclusive Emergency Preparedness 🔦

Join us for a FREE four-week 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, Jan. 20: What to prepare for in the Seattle region
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Evacuating versus sheltering in place
- Tuesday, Feb. 3: Utilities and preparing for power outages
- Tuesday, Feb. 10: Communication and making a plan

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

Request accommodations at info@disabilityempowerment.org.

Find all our upcoming events: disabilityempowerment.org/events
[Visual: White graphic with the text Intro to Inclusive Emergency Preparedness Free Lunchtime webinar series. Includes a photo of a first aid kit and other supplies.]

01/07/2026

Cool program to check out!

AIM Seattle serves neurodivergent and disabled kids and young adults in King County with inclusive, sensory-friendly arts and movement classes. (Hello adaptive hip hop!)

Winter classes start now at their new location in Magnuson Park!

Aim Seattle is a grassroots organization that works to address systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities, especially children, teens, and young adults. AIM is addressing these barriers by supporting Disabled community members. In January 2022, AIM began a weekly Adaptive Dance Program for

01/06/2026

Want to get more connected in 2026?

We offer several FREE peer groups that meet at different locations around King County, including an online option.

Here's what's happening this month:
- Friday, Jan. 9: EPIC peer outing to Seattle Asian Art Museum (free!)
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: Virtual Peer Group (join from anywhere)
- Thursday, Jan. 15: Westside Peer Group (meets in Seattle)
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Eastside Peer Group (meets in Redmond; hybrid option)

This is a great time to resolve to meet new people! Hope to see you at one of our groups soon.

More info and RSVP: disabilityempowerment.org/upcoming-events
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01/06/2026

Great news for movie lovers!

"The new year brings good news for those who love movies but are deaf or hard of hearing: Enacted Jan. 1, a new state law will increase the number of movie screenings using open captions, and require theaters to clearly identify those screenings in their advertising."

Learn more:

Deaf or hard of hearing moviegoers will have more options at the multiplexes — and won't have to rely on closed caption devices.

01/06/2026

A Message from Theo Braddy: Now is the Time

I want to speak directly to you today about the Protect IL Campaign: https://bit.ly/4b3ef2r

Independent Living is under real threat.

Across the country, we are seeing federal actions and policy shifts that put community living, civil rights, and Independent Living programs at risk.

These are not imaginary concerns. They are real. And they affect the ability of people with disabilities to live in their communities.

The Protect IL Campaign was created because waiting is no longer an option.

- Read more: https://bit.ly/4aLPWFU
- Audio version of this message: https://bit.ly/4aL61f8

Image: Protect Independent Living Logo features a black umbrella. Beneath, the National Council on Independent Living logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

12/30/2025

Help make our community more inclusive!

Your donation will help us empower and provide services for people with disabilities in King County.

Here's what your year-end gift funds:
- Free services and referrals to help folks with disabilities find the support they need
- Peer support groups where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and shared identity
- Fun social events for our community members
- Advocacy for people with disabilities because representation is essential

We know this work because the majority of our staff and volunteers have disabilities ourselves.

🔶 Donate today: disabilityempowerment.org/donate

Thanks for your support!

12/29/2025

A reminder that our physical offices are closed through Thursday this week. Some staff may be working remotely.

If you are in crisis during our closure, please call the 24-hour crisis line: 866-427-4747.

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