The Washington State Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF) has launched a new website and plans to release a comprehensive survey in December. This initiative aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing justice within Washington State Courts.
The newly launched website will serve as a central resource for individuals seeking information about the task force's work, including updates and access to the upcoming survey. It is designed to engage courts, legal professionals, and individuals with disabilities.
The DJTF was established by the Washington State Supreme Court to address barriers that prevent full access to justice for individuals with disabilities in Washington courts. The forthcoming Disability Justice survey will be instrumental in collecting data on these challenges.
Justice G. Helen Whitener, co-chair of the DJTF, stated, “We are launching this survey to better understand the challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing justice. Our goal is to ensure that Washington courts are fully accessible for all.”
The survey will be accessible through the DJTF’s new website and distributed via state agencies. It will cover various areas including physical access to court facilities, digital and programmatic accessibility under General Rule 33, barriers to self-representation in non-criminal cases, violence against individuals with disabilities, and cultural factors related to disability issues in incarceration.
Targeted participants include courts, legal professionals, individuals with disabilities, and state agencies. They will receive a letter and memorandum of understanding explaining the survey's purpose.
Results from the survey will be compiled into a report containing recommendations for immediate and long-term improvements for submission to the Washington Supreme Court. KMG Consulting Firm has been hired by DJTF to lead this study and data collection effort.
For more information about DJTF or its initiatives, interested parties can contact Joslyn Nelson at Joslyn.nelson@courts.wa.gov.
Contact details for further inquiries include Patric Haerle at 360-712-1892 or Patric.Haerle@courts.wa.gov; Wendy K. Ferrell at 360-705-5331 or Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov; and Lorrie Thompson at 360-705-5347 or Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov.