An Accessible Washington

If we can’t all get there, it’s not worth going.

All Washingtonians need fresh air, clean water, and safe streets. We come into the world needing care, and – if we’re lucky – we leave surrounded by caretakers and community. In between, most of us will experience a major life transition that makes us unable to support ourselves, at least for a time. Inequality shouldn’t be added to illness or injury.

A better Washington is an accessible Washington – and we can make Washington more accessible with three kinds of policies:

1. Accessibility in Public Space

Disability accommodations will benefit us all.

2. Accessibility in Public Programs

Adequate care is a necessity we must all be able to afford.

3. Accessibility in Public Health

The COVID-19 Pandemic will leave us in a more prepared state.

Public Space

Bring local transit agencies into full compliance with federal disability requirements.

Fund completion of Washington’s pedestrian network, making state walkways ADA-compliant.

Revise Apple Health & Homes Act to require wheelchair-accessible housing near transit.

Require major construction projects in Washington add sidewalk on at least one side of road.

Decriminalize fare evasion in state transit agencies.

Engage local transit agencies on funding mechanisms to replace fare payment (Free Transit).

Accessibility in Public Programs

Ensure living wages and cost-of-living adjustments for Washington caregivers.

End driver license requirements for jobs where driving is not an essential function.

Remove red-tape barriers to qualification for paratransit services for disabled riders.

Refine and expand the WA Cares Fund to apply to younger Washingtonians.

Make remote work an option for all public employees, and require private jobs to do the same.

Amplify efforts to recruit and retain caregivers in Washington with state unions.

Advance the creation of a Home Care Safety Net Assessment to maximize Medicaid dollars.

Public Health

Concretize local Long COVID research efforts into a formal, official state report.

Assemble Long COVID Advisory Committee to guide policymaking and care providers.

Fund Long COVID relief efforts in housing, unemployment, and social safety net spending.

Purchase medical debt accrued in state healthcare facilities from private creditors.

Devise and fund an ongoing state pandemic preparedness plan.