Washington State Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force
Our History and Mission
In January 2022, the Washington State Supreme Court created the Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF) with the support and funding from the state legislature. The Task Force envisions a statewide court system where people with disabilities have access to justice that not only meets legal compliance but also ensures dignity, equity, and full participation in the legal system and the profession.
The DJTF aims to conduct a comprehensive study and needs analysis to determine deficiencies in physical and programmatic access to state court services and programs. The ultimate goal is to develop solutions to address disability discrimination and marginalization within the justice system and establish a Disability and Justice Commission.
Disability Justice Task Force Co-Chairs
A Message from the Co-Chairs of the Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force
Welcome to the Washington State Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF) website.
We are honored to co-chair this important initiative, dedicated to advancing disability justice within our state's court system. Viewing our work through a disability justice lens, our mission is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have full and equitable access to justice, a cornerstone of a fair and just society.
The DJTF was established to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities within the legal system. Our primary focus is the comprehensive Disability Justice Study, which aims to identify and address barriers to access within Washington courts. This study involves a thorough analysis of physical, programmatic, and cultural impediments that individuals with disabilities may encounter.
Based on the findings of the study, we will not only develop and recommend best practices but also implement solutions to promote accessibility, equity, and inclusion throughout the judicial process. We are committed to ensuring that our efforts uphold the principles of dignity, respect, and full participation for all individuals.
Our work is driven by a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, legal professionals, advocates, and community members. Together, we are committed to implementing changes that will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who interact with the court system.
On this website, you will find information about our ongoing study, upcoming events, and resources related to disability justice. We encourage you to explore these materials and join us in our efforts to create a more inclusive legal system.
Thank you for your interest and support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and ensure that justice is accessible to all.
Co-Chair
Co-Chair
Disability Justice Task Force Members
| Name | Title/Location | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Meng Li Che | Court of Appeals Division II | Court of Appeals Representative |
| Judge Joseph Evans | Pierce County Superior Court | Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA) |
| Judge Diana Kiesel | Pierce County Superior Court | Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA) |
| Judge Gloria Choa-Bruck | Spokane County Municipal | District and Municipal Court Judges Association (DMCJA) |
| Judge Aimee Maurer | Spokane District Court | District and Municipal Court Judges Association (DMCJA) |
| Judge Camara Banfield | Therapeutic Court Judge Clark County | Therapeutic Court Judicial Officer |
| Bryan Farrell | Clark County District Court Administrator & ADA Coordinator | District and Municipal Court Management Association (DMCMA) |
| Dave Lucas | Court Administrator Cheney Municipal Court | District and Municipal Court Management Association (DMCMA) |
| Constance White | Pierce County Clerk | Washington State Association of County Clerks (WSACC) |
| Dale Slack | Columbia County | Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys |
| Ali Kingston | Spokane, Washington | Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) |
| Senator Yasmin Trudeau | Representing 27th Disctrict | Representative from Legislative Branch |
| Michael MacKillop | Executive Director of Dept. Services for the Blind, Seattle | Representative from the Executive Branch |
| Chloe Merino | Seattle, Washington | Disability Rights Washington Representative |
| Kimberly Meck | Chair of SILC (Seattle) | State Independent Living Council Representative |
| Commissioner Karl Triebel | Court of Appeals Division II | Board of Judicial Administration Representative |
| Marilyn Roberts | Executive Director (Thurston/Mason) | National Alliance on Mental Illness Representative |
| Lacey Robins | Seattle, Washington | Lived Expert Court User |
| Pamela Norr | Spokane, Washington | Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Spokane Washington |
| Shoshana Kehoe-Ehlers | Seattle, Washington | Office of Public Defense (OPD) Representative |
| Ashley Callan | Spokane County Superior Court | Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators (AWSCA) Representative |
Court User Survey Initiative
This survey is part of a larger effort to identify challenges faced by court users with disabilities and to develop recommendations for improving access, inclusion, and support. In addition to gathering your feedback, this study includes courthouse visits, a review of court policies, and an analysis of existing research and data. We will use the data collected to offer recommendations to Washington State Courts and relevant judicial and administrative bodies, including the Administrative Office of the Courts.
This survey's focus will be on:
- People with disabilities who have interacted with the court
- Care providers or family members of persons with a disability who have experience with the court
- Disability organizations & advocates
Not able to access the survey? Click here to request a physical copy.
Disability Justice Task Force Documents
The Washington State Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force (DJTF) Charter outlines the mission, goals, and guiding principles of the task force. Focused on identifying and addressing barriers to full participation for individuals with disabilities within the state's court system, the DJTF aims to enhance equity and inclusion. Through collaboration with judicial branch entities and community stakeholders, the task force seeks to develop comprehensive recommendations and best practices to promote accessibility, dignity, and justice for all.
Adapted Disability Justice Principles
The Adapted Disability Justice Principles, which guide the work of the DJTF, are rooted in the original Disability Justice framework created by the Disability Justice Collective, led by community leaders and advocates from the disabled and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. These principles emphasize intersectionality, collective access, and community-led solutions, acknowledging the interconnected nature of ableism, racism, and other forms of oppression. The DJTF has adapted these principles to fit the unique context of the legal system, ensuring that its efforts are grounded in equity, respect, and the pursuit of a more just and inclusive legal system.
Additional Resources
Access to Justice is Disability Access Fact Sheet
People with disabilities continue to face attitudinal, legal, communication, physical, and economic barriers across legal systems.
View ResourceEnsuring Equal Access for People with Disabilities
Washington courthouses and court services must be accessible to persons with disabilities. This Guide is intended to help.
View ResourceWSBA Study on Lawyers with Disabilities
We are doing a membership demographic study to beter understand the makeup and experiences of our membership so we can advance a more diverse, inclusive and equitable legal profession.
View ResourceNews and Articles
ASU associate professor, alum recognized for research on disability justice in the workplace
Arizona State University Associate Professor Mark Hannah always has been curious about the intersection between law and everyday communication.
Read Article
People with disabilities over-represented in justice system
Nationwide, people with disabilities are overrepresented both as victims of crime and those who are accused of crimes, and advocates believe the justice system could do much more to improve accessibility.
Read Article
Bringing Disability Rights and Justice to Special Education
Lindsey Chapman became aware of the importance of disability justice early in her career as a teacher educator.
Read ArticleFor additional questions about the Disability Justice Task Force, please contact Joslyn Nelson at Joslyn.Nelson@courts.wa.gov.
