Disability Empowerment Center

“There are currently no committees who may act on behalf of the entire board. However, the board may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the directors in office, designate and appoint a committee consisting of at least two or more directors. Such committee shall exercise such authority as the board may specify in said resolution; provided that no such committee shall have the authority of the board in reference to amending, altering, or repealing these bylaws; electing, appointing, or removing any member of any such committee or any director or officer of the corporation; amending the articles of incorporation; adopting a plan of merger or adopting a plan of consolidation with another corporation; authorizing the voluntary dissolution of the corporation or revoking proceedings therefor; adopting a plan for the distribution of the assets of the corporation; or amending, altering or repealing any resolution of the board which by its terms provides that it shall not be amended, altered or repealed by such committee. The designation and appointment of any such committee and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the board or any individual director of any responsibility imposed upon it or them.”

“The 990 is prepared by the organization's accounting firm and is reviewed by the executive director before filing. The return is subsequently provided to the board”

“The governing documents, policies, and financial statements are made available to the public upon request.”

“Since 1977, disability empowerment center has been a grassroots disability advocacy organization serving king county. Since our founding as the washington coalition of citizens with disabilities, we have been a leader in assisting individuals to reach their independent living goals and educating agencies and the public on the rights of people with disabilities. The disability empowerment center serves over 3,000 consumers per year and is the only organization in king county that provides services solely on the basis of a person identifying as experiencing any disability. Disability empowerment center is a peer-support organization, staff, board and leadership live the values of independent living and self-determination. They are subject matter experts in living with a disability and providing technical assistance. Having direct service staff that represent our participant population is a requirement of apeer support environment and consumer-led organization. Disability empowerment center staff have one hundred thirty-seven combined years' experience directly serving consumers with disabilities. Disability empowerment center staff provide both a peer connection to consumers and professional experience and credentials to support consumers with culturally competent and relevant services. Partnering organizations come to us for our expertise in services for people with disabilities, and we go to them to help us learn. Disability empowerment center provided over 900 hours of consultation, education, and advocacy on disabilities at the request of businesses, community organizations and government agencies last year. The disability empowerment center is a federally recognized independent living center (cil) providing services to individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in king county, washington. Independent living has to do with self-determination; it is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a full life. Disability empowerment center staff provide five core services to assist people in reaching their goals: - peer support: individuals with lived experience as a person with a disability providing 1:1 and group services to other individuals with disabilities. - information & referral: providing information and education on disability topics to individuals with and without disabilities and referrals to other service providers to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. - advocacy: individual advocacy: teaching and modeling skills to obtain necessary support services from agencies in the community; - systematic advocacy: staff, board members, consumers and volunteers initiating activities to make changes in local, regional, and federal policy that make it easier for all persons with disabilities to live more independently. - independent living skills training: providing 1:1 and group services on self-identified and/or community identified skills such as using public transportation, managing a personal budget or other topics that enable an individual to live independently or manage life with a disability. - transition services: assisting people with disabilities to move out of nursing homes and other institutions into independent lifestyles of their choice; helping to prevent people with disabilities from entering institutions; and assisting youth in transitioning from high school to adult life, including the next steps for going to college or obtaining employment. Disability empowerment center services are offered at no cost to consumers which eliminate barriers due to cost. To ensure relevant services to all individuals, we collaborate with organizations serving veterans, seniors, and vulnerable populations. We provide subject experts in supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives. As a statewide leader in disability equity, access and inclusion, and disability intersectionality with other marginalized identities, disability empowerment center serves the community through systemic advocacy an”