Washington Civil & Disability Advocate

10/13/2026

WACDA is in the news! Visit the links below to learn more about a WACDA client who is suing the Tacoma Dome over its disability surcharge.

Kiro 7: https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/woman-says-tacoma-dome-is-charging-her-equivalent-fee-being-disabled/V2RTEFS2GNDVRPKE3CCVMYFP4Y/?outputType=amp

King 5: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lawsuit-tacoma-dome-admission-disability-caregivers/281-35636aa8-e865-4215-9fea-51fa541fd294

Tacoma News Tribune: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article317547963.html

10/12/2026

Language shapes how we understand disability. Using clear, respectful terms supports dignity, inclusion, and community belonging.

10/09/2026

WACDA is proud to announce the publication of 'Beyond Standing' in the Disability Law Journal! The article is authored by WACDA's Dustine Bowker, Isabelle Spence, Zachary Blinkinsop, & Conrad Reynoldson. Read the article here:

https://disabilitylawjournal.org/2026/09/30/beyond-standing/

10/08/2026

PARC v. Pennsylvania established children with intellectual disabilities constitutional right to a free public education. The case laid the foundation for IDEA and transformed disability rights in the United States.

10/07/2026

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize workers with disabilities and the value they bring to every industry. Building accessible, equitable workplaces strengthens our Washington communities and expands opportunity for all. Learn more:

GCDE: https://esd.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/committees/governors-committee-disability-issues-employment-gcde

DSHS (DVR): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/disability-services-and-support/division-vocational-rehabilitation

JAN: https://askjan.org/

10/06/2026

Our latest impact lawsuit. It's time to end the disability "surcharge" for people who rely on caregivers to access/attend paid events.

The lawsuit argues charging admission for a required personal care assistant amounts to an unlawful disability surcharge.

10/05/2026

Housing access is a civil right. The ADA and FHAA protect tenants with disabilities from discrimination and ensure equal opportunity to live safely and independently. Learn more about Washington resources below.

10/02/2026

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This is a time to honor individuality, celebrate the Down Syndrome community, and uplift disability‑focused advocacy. Learn more:

NDSS: https://ndss.org/down-syndrome-awareness-month
Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound: https://www.dscpugetsound.org/local-organizations/
Arc of WA: https://arcwa.org/
Local County Arc Chapters: https://arcwa.org/connections-chapters/

09/30/2026

Today we honor the LGMD community and uplift the strength, stories, and resilience of those living with Limb‑Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. WACDA is committed to expanding awareness across Washington and connecting individuals with trusted resources and support. Learn more:

LMGD Awareness Foundation: https://www.lgmd-info.org/
The Speak Foundation: https://thespeakfoundation.com/
TREAT-NMD: https://www.treat-nmd.org/

09/28/2026

During International Week of Deaf People 2026, WACDA stands with Deaf Washingtonians and pushes for communication access in every space. Learn more:

https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026/

https://hearingloss-wa.org/