In 2024, Washington State passed E3SHB 1541, known as the “Nothing About Us Without Us Act,” establishing requirements to include people with lived experience in certain state-created workgroups, task forces, and advisory committees. The law requires that these groups include individuals directly impacted by the issues being addressed, reflecting a core principle of the disability rights movement: that people should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. The legislation was shaped by advocacy from self-advocates and organizations across the state, including groups like Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL), The Arc, and Disability Rights Washington.  

The law emerged in response to real experiences where people with disabilities were excluded from policy discussions that directly affected them. Advocates raised concerns that decisions about services, supports, and systems were often made without meaningful input from those most impacted. By requiring representation, the act aims to improve the relevance and effectiveness of policy decisions and create more inclusive processes. At the same time, it highlights an ongoing challenge: ensuring that participation is not just present, but meaningful—supported with accessibility, compensation, and real influence in decision-making. The law marks a cultural shift in expectations, but its impact depends on how deeply agencies embrace its intent in practice.