August 6, 2009

Julian Wheeler, J.D.
1201 NE 52nd Street, # 7
Seattle, WA 98105-4340

Dear Julian:

Thank you for your letter on behalf of the ad hoc Committee to Establish a Seattle Disability Commission. The Mayor has asked me to respond to your letter on his behalf. I appreciate your interests and concerns and welcome the opportunity to work together to address the needs of people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, rather than adding resources for new programs, the economic reality is that the City is making significant budget reductions. Mid-year budget reductions in 2009 were over $10 M, and additional significant reductions will take place in 2010. Resources are limited, and we are not able to add staff for a Disability Commission at this point in time, nor am I comfortable creating a new commission that would not be adequately staffed.

However, that does not mean that the issues you raise cannot be addressed. As you point out, the number of people with disabilities in Seattle is large and this population is disproportionately impacted in many areas. Making systemic changes to address disparities is not an easy task; by working together, we can make great strides.

My specific suggestions are as follows:

• Establish collaboration between SOCR and your ad-hoc Committee. As you know, SOCR conducts a significant amount of outreach to prevent discrimination and ensure that potential targets of discrimination are aware of available resources. Jacque Larrainzar, Policy and Outreach Manager at SOCR, and I would love to meet with your group on a routine basis to plan appropriate outreach and address emerging policy issues.
• Continue to work with the Human Rights Commission to better address issues faced by people with disabilities. As an initial step, some of the members of your ad hoc committee may be interested in a commission appointment or serving on the task force. Felicia Yearwood-Murrell, SHRC staff liaison, can help facilitate either of those possibilities. The Human Rights Commission can more effectively address issues faced by people with disabilities by strengthening the task force.
• Work with the Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services. The Advisory Council is staffed out of the Human Services Department and is charged with identifying the needs of older people and adults with disabilities who need long term care services; advising on services to meet these needs; and advocating for local, state and national programs that promote quality of life for these populations. Pam Piering, Director of Julie Nelson signature HSD’s Aging and Disability Services, can advise you further on the role of the Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services. She can be reached at 684-0104.
• Finally, broaden your scope. Inclusion does not mean that people with disabilities serve only with other people who have disabilities. There are a number of commissions and boards that could benefit from working with your committee to address some of the issues you mention in your letter around access to public information and policy processes. For example, your participation on the Pedestrian Board in the Department of Transportation or the Design Commission in the Department of Planning and Development could be of huge benefit to the city.

Assuming your ad hoc committee is interested in pursuing some of the opportunities I’ve outlined, let’s get together to strategize next steps. Please work with Maria Rodriguez in SOCR (685-0548) to arrange a next meeting. I look forward to working with you to make the City of Seattle a better place for all.

Sincerely, Julie Nelson

Cc: Alan Painter, HSD
     Pam Piering, HSD
     Selina Chow, HSD
     Jacque Larrainzar, SOCR
     Felicia Yearwood-Murrell, SOCR

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