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SYSTEMS ADVOCACY

Systems advocacy is the work of making our community more welcoming and improving government policy for supports for our constituents.

For many years, people with developmental disabilities had little say in social or civic matters. Deep stigmas encouraged social marginalization and abuse. But today, people with developmental disabilities have a voice. Through The Arc, our constituents and those who support them engage local, state and national policymakers in productive dialogue that encourages good-sense solutions to the challenges they face. Here's how:

Transition Action Team - Since 2006, our constituents have worked to identify the most significant challenges in their lives and, through The Arc of Spokane, they have initiated an effort to address them. One challenge is the need for better transitioning from youth to adulthood for young adults with developmental disabilities. A successful transition typically includes a good job, opportunities for social and intellectual growth and access to safe, reliable transportation. Today, a team of volunteers representing a broad spectrum of the community meets monthly to determine how best to address this challenge. Through the Transition Action Team, The Arc hopes to improve the quality of life for transitioning young adults in Spokane.
Olympia Days - Each year The Arc invites a select group of people with developmental disabilities and their families to travel to Olympia to meet our elected leaders and to discuss the unique challenges facing our constituents. As an agency that champions people with developmental disabilities and their families in our community, The Arc of Spokane is happy to host this important event each year.
Legislative Receptions - Each year the Spokane County Parent Coalition (SCPC), a program of The Arc of Spokane funded by Spokane County Community Services, hosts a series of public receptions where local citizens can discuss important issues with their elected representatives in person.
Advocacy Training - The SCPC also educates parents, guardians, and other family members who want to become more involved in the legislative process as it relates to people with developmental disabilities. Through a series of Legislative Advocacy and Leadership Development workshops held each year, the SCPC helps families understand the legislative process and learn how to communicate their needs effectively to policymakers.
The Rapid Response Network - During the state legislative session each year, this network of volunteers communicates with legislators about issues that are important to our constituents.
The Disability Policy Seminar - Each year in February or March, a group of volunteers and Arc staff travel to Washington D.C. to discuss how pending federal legislation might impact people with developmental disabilities and their families in Spokane.

To learn more about The Arc's advocacy effort, contact Micheal Chappell at (509) 328-6326 (ext. 205) or mchappell@arc-spokane.org. For a current list of The Arc's legislative priorities, or for a list of Washington's elected representatives, visit the SCPC website at www.spokaneparentcoalition.org.