Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
A Statewide Coalition on Developmental Disabilities
We strive to shape public policies that affect our lives
SAIL and Advocacy
The SAIL Coalition works to shape public policies that affect the lives of persons with developmental disabilities. SAIL Coalition works with the legislatures during legislative session. Legislative session runs from January to March or April of each year.
Legislative Successes
For the past seven years SAIL has had many legislative success passing a bill each year eight in total. To view all our success please
open or save the document link below.
2011 Legislative Session
SAIL is currently working on putting together our legislative agenda. The agenda should be done soon and when it is will be added to this page. At our last meeting (July) we started with a long list of ideas and gradually brought it down to four main issues we will be advocating for which are closing institutions, preventing cuts to crucial services, advocating for self directed services and restoring funding for self advocacy groups.
2010 Legislative Session
SAIL had a very successful session last year by passing a third respectful language bill that removes the M.R. word from all state documents and by protecting crucial services like Medicaid Personal Care from receiving disastrous cuts. We want to thank everyone who came to Olympia and helped us advocate for these and other issues. We look forward to seeing you next year in Olympia. Remember "Nothing About Us Without Us".
SAIL is an Award Winner
SAIL is the 2009 Advocacy Matters! Award winner please check out the Events page for more information.
SAIL presented a break out session at the Arc of the United States' 2009 National Convention. If you would like to see the presentation materials please click on the link below.
2009 Legislative Agenda
Two years ago we passed a respectful language bill that told our state Code Advisor to change "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" in every place it can be without interfering with people's eligibility for getting services.
Tools You Can Use
If you are not sure which legislative district you are in you can find your district by typing in your address at the Arc of Washington State site.