2026 – January:
Employment for All Advocacy Day!
SKCAC's Advocacy Day - Photo Album:
2025 Advocacy Workshops
Our recent advocacy workshops brought together an incredible group of self-advocates to learn, share, and take action. Over multiple sessions, participants built skills in areas like digital advocacy, storytelling, working with employers, talking with legislators, and navigating conflict, all led by advocates with lived experience. The final in-person session was filled with connection, hands-on activities, inspiring conversations, and powerful reflections on what’s next. We are so grateful to our amazing facilitators, Blake Duarte and Shawn Latham, and to every participant whose voice, ideas, and passion made these workshops such a success. This is how change starts - together. 💙 #AdvocacyinAction
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Every participant in our advocacy workshops put in the time, energy, and heart to grow their skills and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their accomplishments! 🎉 Each certificate represents more than just attendance; it’s a recognition of the dedication, ideas, and leadership each person brought to the group. From practicing conversations with decision-makers to sharing personal stories that inspire change, these advocates are ready to take what they’ve learned and make an impact in their communities. Congratulations to all of our workshop attendees. Your voices matter, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
One of the highlights of our final workshop session was a role-playing activity where participants practiced real-life advocacy scenarios, from job interviews with “employers,” to talking with legislators, addressing transportation issues with local officials, and meeting with community groups to build support for a cause. Everyone brought their A-game, asking questions, making their case, and showing confidence. And yes… that’s Aaron with a very serious face in one of the photos - he was deep in character as an employer, making sure participants got the full interview experience! These moments gave everyone a chance to test their skills in a safe, supportive space and build the confidence to use them in the real world.
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As part of our hands-on activities, participants created short videos to share their voices, ideas, and advocacy messages. This first video from Anjuli is a powerful example of how self-advocates can speak directly to their communities and decision-makers. When we give people the tools, space, and support to tell their own stories, the impact is unforgettable. 🎥💬 #AdvocacyInAction |
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Our second participant video comes from Nathaniel, who used his time on camera to put his advocacy skills into action. These videos are a reminder that advocacy is not just about what we say - it’s about having the courage to speak up. 🎥#AdvocacyInAction |
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Our final participant video comes from Seth, whose message is a powerful example of why advocacy matters. Seth’s words highlight the importance of speaking up, sharing ideas, and taking action. These videos from our workshop participants show that when we invest in people’s skills and confidence, we create leaders who inspire change. 🎥 #AdvocacyInAction |
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2024 Fall Conference Photos
Photos from our 2024 Spring Conference
Advocacy Day 2024
Please enjoy these photos from Advocacy Day 2024! A day of celebration of Self-Advocacy and Employment for All, on the steps of our capital building in Olympia Washington! "Everyone Deserves a Pay Day!
Introducing Our New Executive Director!
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The CEA is pleased to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director Aaron Dickson. Aaron has worked at Cascade Connections (a CEA member) for the last 7 years, as an Employment Consultant, Employment Specialist, and Program Coordinator. Prior to this, he worked at Lions Camp Horizon, a respite summer camp for adults with disabilities, as a counselor and Assistant Camp Director. In addition, he brings experience in residential caregiving, a background in training right response and CPR, as well as a strong passion for disability rights and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Aaron's first day will be October 30th and he is very much looking forward to getting to work!
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