July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate to the strength, diversity, and leadership of our community members with disabilities. This month honors the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. It also uplifts the experiences and challenges of people with disabilities as well as recognize their powerful contributions.
But while we celebrate progress, we must also confront the ongoing injustices—especially within the legal system. People with disabilities are vastly overrepresented at every stage of the criminal legal system. According to a briefing by the Prison Policy Initiative, while 15% of the general population has a disability, that number jumps to 40% in state prisons. From cognitive disabilities like autism and learning disorders to physical impairments, individuals with disabilities are too often criminalized, ignored, and mistreated,
This month, we invite you to hold space with us by reading the reports from the Prison Policy Initiative to better understand disability issues in the legal system.
We also we invite you to check out our community partner Disability Rights Washington, and their powerful work advocating for the rights and dignities for people with disabilities across our state.
Upcoming Game Changer Meetings
Our Game Changer meetings bring together community voices, guest speakers, and critical resources to uplift and empower our justice-impacted community and their families. Join us every Monday at 6:30pm for connection, empowerment, and mutual support.
- July 14th: Office of Independent Investigations (OII)
Learn how Washington’s first-of-its-kind civilian-led agency is transforming how police use of deadly force is investigated—with transparency, accountability, and community in mind. - July 21st: FairVote Washington
Discover how Ranked-Choice Voting could strengthen democracy in Washington State by empowering voters and improving representation—especially for women and communities of color. - July 28th: Unloop
Hear how tech education inside and outside prison is changing lives. Unloop helps people exiting incarceration launch careers in tech with real skills, support, and opportunity.
FREE Legal Relief Clinic in Spokane County
Civil Survival is hosting a Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) and Blake Relief Day on Friday, July 18th in partnership with Spokane County Superior, Spokane County District Court, and Spokane Municipal Court.
This FREE legal clinic is for anyone with outstanding fines or fees from criminal cases (misdemeanor or felony) and drug possession convictions before February 25, 2021.
Our legal team will review your case to determine if you’re eligible for relief. If so, an attorney will prepare and file the necessary paperwork to:
- Reduce or eliminate fines and fees
- Vacate eligible drug convictions under the State v. Blake decision
- Request court refunds for qualifying drug possession fines
Relief may be greater if you have a limited income. While this clinic does not cover restitution or third-party expenses, we can help connect you with next steps.
Visit civilsurvival.org/