Learn more about WASILC Advocacy & Education Committee
About the Committee
The WASILC Advocacy & Education Committee combines our legislative policy, youth engagement, and statewide outreach efforts into a unified voice for the independent living philosophy across Washington state.
We bring together individuals with disabilities, youth and young adult advocates, and community stakeholders to advance disability rights, elevate community perspectives, and drive policy forward.
Our first meeting will be September 10th 2026
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.
- Outreach & Public Education: Expand statewide awareness of the independent living philosophy, resources, and the State Plan through strategic community education and outreach initiatives.
Meeting Schedule: Second Thursday of every month | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Join the meeting: https://bit.ly/4hc9Flv
ASL provided
How to Apply to Serve on a Committee
To apply, click the "Apply to Serve" button below to fill out the online form. Please contact us if you would like a PDF version or need help to complete the application: WASILC@dshs.wa.gov.
WASILC's Executive Committee will review and appoint members to committees. WASILC staff will reach out to you once the process is complete.
WASILC Committee Orientation. Meets 4th Monday of the month. Join the meeting
Join our Executive Director at our monthly committee orientation meetings to learn about a WASILC committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a committee/sub-committee?
- All Committees will be established with purpose, members and duties. WASILC's Executive Committee will assign the chairperson to each committee. Members provide their knowledge, lived experience and ideas with a disability perspective through the independent living philosophy lens.
What qualifications do I need to have to be appointed on a committee?
- WASILC strives for a broad range of individuals with geographic, disability, ethnic, gender and advocacy diversity. We value lived experience, cultural diversity and disability ally voice.
- You believe in the vision of a world where people with disabilities can exercise their rights and participate fully in all aspects of society.
When are committee appointments made?
- Once your application is submitted, the Executive Committee will review and make a decision. WASILC staff will reach out to you.
- Executive Committee reviews applications at least once per quarter.
Do I have to be on the council to serve on a committee?
- No. All committees except the Executive Committee may have non-council members serve. Non-council members must be appointed to the committee by the WASILC Executive Committee.
What is the time commitment to serve on a committee? How long is the term once appointed?
- All committees except ad hoc committees meet on a monthly basis to conduct business and further WASILC's mission. Serving on any WASILC committee will also involve some time commitment outside of scheduled meetings.
- Terms are unlimited at this point
- There is an expectation that you participate in committee meetings by: attending meetings, engaging and following through with tasks.
Is there compensation for serving on a committee?
- Not at this time. WASILC does pay for accommodations that pertain to certain committee functions.
- WASILC is working on developing policy and procedures to compensate committee members for their labor who participate in our committees/subcommittees.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to staff at wasilc@dshs.wa.gov.
