Letter-Writing Guidelines (from People First of Washington)
SELF-ADVOCATE LETTER CAMPAIGN
WE WANT INCLUSION FOR YOUTH!
Problem:
More and more youth in Washington state are being placed in institutions, like Fircrest and Frances Haddon Morgan. Some of these institutions are now opening up schools so students won’t be able to go to school in the community anymore.
What you can do:
You can write a letter to the governor of Washington and to the person in charge of all the schools in Washington (see addresses below). You can say what you think about this issue. You can talk about why you think it is important for students to live and go to schools in the community.
Who is part of this campaign?
Many self-advocacy organizations from Washington state, including Self Advocates in Leadership Coalition (SAIL), the Self Advocacy in Motion Project (SAM), People First of Washington, Self Advocates of Washington (SAW), the LEAD Coalition, and Disability Rights Washington. Who else is involved? Our most important ally of all: YOU!
What could I say in my letter?
The letter should be your own words, but here are some things you can talk about:
- Why you believe in inclusion.
- Your stories of going to school and being included.
- Why you think students should live, work and learn in the community.
- Your experience living in an institution.
- Your experience with family members in institutions.
- Special education law says that students should be included as much as possible.
- Why you think all people deserve to grow up in a home, and not an institution.
Where do I send the letter?
Two places:
Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Terry Bergeson, Superintendent
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
[Return to top] |
