The Disabled Citizens Alliance (DCA) is committed to championing the rights and accessibility of individuals with disabilities in Washington. Our mission is to create a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and participate fully.
Founded on the principles of advocacy and empowerment, DCA strives to influence policy, raise awareness, and provide essential resources to our community. We believe that every disabled citizen deserves equal opportunities and access to all aspects of life.
Our leadership team is composed of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds in disability rights, policy development, and community engagement. Together, we work tirelessly to foster an inclusive environment where the voices of disabled individuals are heard and respected.
Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to:
- Promote policies that enhance accessibility and inclusion.
- Provide resources and support to disabled citizens and their families.
- Raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
- Encourage community involvement and collaboration for positive change.
Join us in our mission to empower disabled citizens and build a more inclusive society for all.
The Principles That Guide Our Work
A mission statement only matters if it shapes everyday decisions. At the Disabled Citizens Alliance, a few core principles help us decide which issues to take on, how we talk about them and who we bring to the table.
Nothing about us without us
This long-standing rallying cry of the disability rights movement sits at the centre of our approach. Disabled people are the experts on their own lives, so their experiences should shape the policies, services and buildings that affect them. We aim to make sure disabled residents are consulted early, not invited to comment once decisions are already made.
Accessibility as a civil right
Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act established that access is a matter of rights, not charity. Ramps, captioning, accessible websites, plain-language documents and reliable paratransit are not extras. They are the conditions that let people work, vote, learn and take part in civic life. Our policy work focuses on how these protections are carried out in practice, where gaps between the law and lived reality often appear.
Disability in all its forms
Disability includes physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as chronic illnesses that may be invisible or change over time. Many people also face barriers linked to income, housing, race, age or language. We try to keep this full picture in view so that solutions do not help one group while leaving another behind.
Practical, clear information
Rights mean little if people cannot find out about them. We favour clear, jargon-free explanations and practical guidance on topics like requesting reasonable accommodations or navigating public services. Our resources section is built with that goal in mind. For individual legal, medical or benefits questions, we always encourage people to speak with a qualified professional.
Change through collaboration
Lasting progress usually comes from many people working together: residents, families, caregivers, employers, local officials and other community organizations. Whether you can share your story, volunteer your time or simply spread the word, there is a place for you. Learn how to take part on our Get Involved page.
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