Legislative Kickoff Forum
Connect with your representatives and use your voice.
The Arc of Spokane’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We support and empower individuals and families, make connections, improve support and service systems, increase public awareness, and inspire inclusive communities.
This legislative kickoff forum will bring together families, self-advocates, service providers, and policymakers from across Spokane and surrounding counties to discuss priorities impacting individuals with IDD and their families ahead of the upcoming Washington legislative session.
This is an opportunity for community members to engage directly with elected officials and candidates in a welcoming, accessible environment. It will provide families with information about local resources and opportunities to become involved in advocacy.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
The Arc of Spokane Community Center
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Q&A Panel
The Arc of Spokane will host a moderated panel discussion featuring local policy makers and candidates representing Spokane and surrounding legislative districts. Submit your questions in advance when you register for the event.
Topics may include:
Special education and inclusive classrooms
Medicaid waivers and long-term supports
Housing
Employment and transition services
Community inclusion and accessibility
Transportation
and more!
Tentative guest representatives include:
Senator Marcus Riccelli
Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson
Representative Suzanne Schmidt (Legislative District 4, Position 1)
Candidate Jonathan Bingle (Legislative District 6, Position 2)
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Thursday, September 24, 2026
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Arc of Spokane Community Center, 320 E 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
COST: Free
¿Habla español?
Puede registrarse aquí: [link]
O llámenos para ayuda: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Community Networking
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations and partners serving individuals with IDD. Partner agencies, listed below, will be in attendance to share about different services, advocacy opportunities, and community supports.
AtWork! as an organization is committed to advocacy for people with IDD and has gotten several bills through the legislature. We believe that individuals with IDD have the right to the supports and services they need to be employed and live in their communities.
www.atworkwa.org
Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Informing Families offers trusted news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities.
www.informingfamilies.org
People First of Washington
The purpose and mission of People First of Washington is to assist all people to realize and appreciate that we are PEOPLE FIRST and our disabilities are secondary. We are equal citizens in our communities.
www.peoplefirstofwashington.org
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Sign up for the Community Connection today to become a member of The Arc of Spokane. You will receive local news, event alerts, and exclusive Thrift Store coupons. You can manage your preferences or unsubscribe from state, national, or local lists at any time.