WA State IL Council

09/04/2026

Reminder: WASILC Community Engagement Session

Join us for our upcoming virtual session to ask questions, share insights, and help shape how our community's voice turns into statewide policy!

Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST

Accessibility: ASL Interpretation and Closed Captioning provided

Register Here: https://bit.ly/4eCLuL5

Take our survey: https://bit.ly/3QNSlZc or scan the QR code on the flyer

Questions? Email: [email protected]

09/04/2026

Our office will be closed in observation of Labor Day September 7th

09/03/2026

Shared: Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington

💜 World Alzheimer’s Month: September Events 💜
This September, join us for a full month of free education, support, and resources for individuals and families navigating dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
📅 September 1st | 10:00–11:30 AM
Hospice & Palliative Care Panel
*Hospice providers from multiple agencies discuss how to navigate hospice care, the differences between local providers, and what to expect.
📅 September 5th | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (Zoom only)
Dementia Friends
*Learn how dementia changes the brain, communication tips, and early warning signs.
📅 September 14th | 1:00–2:30 PM
GUIDE Program Panel
*Four GUIDE providers share how the program is going, its benefits, and what's next for the model.
📅 September 21st | 10:00–11:30 AM
Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy Panel: Therapists discuss treatment options and modalities for people living with dementia.
📅 September 29th | 2:00–4:00 PM
Free Memory Screenings
*Concerned about brain changes? Join us for a free, confidential memory screening. Save this flyer and mark your calendar — every session is free and open to the community.
📧 [email protected]
📞 (509) 777-1629
For more, check out our event calendar: https://www.altcew.org/news-events/event-calendar/

💜 World Alzheimer’s Month: September Events 💜

This September, join us for a full month of free education, support, and resources for individuals and families navigating dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

📅 September 1st | 10:00–11:30 AM
Hospice & Palliative Care Panel
*Hospice providers from multiple agencies discuss how to navigate hospice care, the differences between local providers, and what to expect.

📅 September 5th | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (Zoom only)
Dementia Friends
*Learn how dementia changes the brain, communication tips, and early warning signs.

📅 September 14th | 1:00–2:30 PM
GUIDE Program Panel
*Four GUIDE providers share how the program is going, its benefits, and what's next for the model.

📅 September 21st | 10:00–11:30 AM
Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy Panel: Therapists discuss treatment options and modalities for people living with dementia.

📅 September 29th | 2:00–4:00 PM
Free Memory Screenings
*Concerned about brain changes? Join us for a free, confidential memory screening. Save this flyer and mark your calendar — every session is free and open to the community.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (509) 777-1629

For more, check out our event calendar: https://www.altcew.org/news-events/event-calendar/

09/02/2026

Shared: Washington Emergency Management Division

September is National Preparedness Month and we want to encourage you to get to know your neighbors! So here are some general things to think about when it comes to connecting with your neighbors.
• What are the hazards in your neighborhood?
• Who might need extra help, and what kind of help might they need?
• What skills or tools do you and neighbors have that might be helpful during an emergency?
• Are there areas or buildings in the neighborhood more susceptible to hazards?
Find more information at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods

September is National Preparedness Month and we want to encourage you to get to know your neighbors! So here are some general things to think about when it comes to connecting with your neighbors.
• What are the hazards in your neighborhood?
• Who might need extra help, and what kind of help might they need?
• What skills or tools do you and neighbors have that might be helpful during an emergency?
• Are there areas or buildings in the neighborhood more susceptible to hazards?

Find more information at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods

09/02/2026

Shared: Disability Rights Washington

📢 Attention all D/deaf, and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adults in Washington!
A Doctor of Audiology student at Central Michigan University is conducting an IRB-approved research study on the healthcare experiences of DHH adults—specifically communication barriers and accommodations during healthcare visits.
🔹 Takes about 15-20 minutes
🔹 Anonymous
🔹 You're not required to use a hearing device to participate.
🔹 Your responses could help shape a nationally published study
Your participation will have an incredible impact. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/3QFfCMZ
📎 Flyer with more details below.
Image description: Research participant flyer with illustration of two figures communication in sign language, a graph and text on the details and requirements to participate in a study for Central Michigan University, including a QR code and contact information.

📢 Attention all D/deaf, and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adults in Washington!

A Doctor of Audiology student at Central Michigan University is conducting an IRB-approved research study on the healthcare experiences of DHH adults—specifically communication barriers and accommodations during healthcare visits.

🔹 Takes about 15-20 minutes
🔹 Anonymous
🔹 You're not required to use a hearing device to participate.
🔹 Your responses could help shape a nationally published study

Your participation will have an incredible impact. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/3QFfCMZ

📎 Flyer with more details below.

Image description: Research participant flyer with illustration of two figures communication in sign language, a graph and text on the details and requirements to participate in a study for Central Michigan University, including a QR code and contact information.

09/02/2026

September events happening at WASILC
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.wasilc.org/news-updates
Contact us: [email protected]

09/02/2026

September is National Deaf Awareness Month! 🤟✨

This month, the Washington State Independent Living Council (WASILC) is celebrating the rich culture, language, and vibrant history of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. But we are also celebrating something equally important: the active, essential role the Deaf community plays in keeping our state safe.

With over 600,000 people in Washington State experiencing some type of hearing loss, inclusive emergency management is not just a preference—it is a necessity. Through our work leading the Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP), we see firsthand how Deaf advocates and leaders are transforming the way our state prepares for and responds to disasters.

Because of the advocacy and lived experiences of the Deaf community, emergency management is becoming more accessible. This means:

🚨 Pushing for visual alerting technologies (like LED strobe alarms and outdoor hazard warning systems).
📺 Ensuring critical emergency broadcasts and press conferences have qualified ASL interpreters and accurate captioning.
🎒 Designing "Go-Bags" and emergency plans that account for access and functional needs, ensuring no one is left behind in a crisis.

We know the Deaf community is not just asking for a seat at the table—more than that, they are really building a system that protect us all. When emergency planning includes the Deaf community from day one, Washington state becomes stronger, safer, and more resilient.

Let’s continue to work together to ensure that critical, life-saving information is accessible to everyone.

Do you want to get involved with inclusive emergency planning? Join CIEP's monthly stakeholder calls and learn more about our ongoing work:
https://www.wasilc.org/coalition-on-inclusive-emergency-planning
https://www.wasilc.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CIEPWaState

08/31/2026

Join the WASILC Advocacy & Education Committee!

We’re bringing together individuals with disabilities, youth and young adult advocates, and community stakeholders to advance disability rights, elevate community perspectives, and drive policy forward.

Our Core Responsibilities:

Legislative & Policy Advocacy: Educate and advocate to legislators, council members, and public/private entities on policy matters affecting individuals with disabilities, upholding the Rehabilitation Act and the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

Youth & Young Adult Voice: Center youth and young adult perspectives to raise public awareness around issues impacting young people with disabilities within the independent living movement.

Qutreach & Public Education: Expand statewide awareness of the independent living philosophy, resources, and the SPIL through strategic community education and outreach initiatives.

First Meeting: September 10, 2026

Regular Schedule: Second Thursday of every month | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4hc9Flv

Get involved and help shape the future of disability rights in WA!

08/25/2026

Friendly Reminder: Make Your Voice Heard!

Disability pride is about systemic action—ensuring our voices direct the policies that impact our lives.

We are currently building Washington’s next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and we need your direct input! By taking a few minutes to complete our survey, you’re identifying key barriers and guiding where resources are needed most over the next three years.

Help us move toward a world that values disability as a natural, vibrant part of human diversity.

Take the survey today and make your voice part of the plan: https://bit.ly/3QNSlZc

Join us at one of our Community Engagement Sessions

• September 8th | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
o 👉 Register https://bit.ly/4eCLuL5
• September 19th | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
o 👉 Register https://bit.ly/4e690Qs
• September 24th | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
o 👉 Register https://bit.ly/4e0tbPO