Thurston County honors ADA legacy with Disability Pride recognition 

July has been officially hailed Disability Pride Month, as the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners aligned the county with the national commemoration of the 1990 passage of Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The proclamation, which was adopted at a meeting on Tuesday, July 15, sets forth the county’s intent to advance disability inclusion. The action further calls on the public to acknowledge the realities of people with developmental disabilities and systems that enable their access and participation. 

Coalition supports policy change 

Michelle O’Dell of the Thurston-Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition, whose son Nathan has a developmental disability, said the county’s move gives weight to the lived experiences of families pushing for inclusion. 

“Your commitment to inclusion sends a powerful message that people with disabilities are not only seen but valued, and that their voices and contributions are essential to our communities,” O’Dell said. 

According to O’Dell, the coalition works with The Arc of Washington in championing the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said their work engages in advocacy and outreach to address disparities in services and support. 

She also shared that part of the coalition’s work involves training self-advocates and staging a legislative forum where people with disabilities speak for themselves on key issues. 

The coalition also supports families in navigating Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) system, understanding educational rights, and identifying adult day and employment program options. 

She said many families feel isolated when facing these systems and depend on community-based organizations for guidance. 

In partnership with the county’s Developmental Disabilities Program, the coalition also supports law enforcement training under the Project SAFER initiative. O’Dell cited the curriculum “Is It Something Else?” as a component in training first responders to identify and respond appropriately to signs of developmental disability in the field. 

“Beyond advocacy, we also help families navigate the complex support systems that surround developmental disabilities, whether it’s accessing DDA services, understanding educational rights, or finding adult day and employment programs, we share information, so families don’t feel lost or alone,” she said.

Self-advocate calls for change 

Meanwhile, Cole Lynam, a 24-year-old Olympia resident and self-advocate with autism, is a graduate of Capital High School, Transition Academy and Project SEARCH. He said he lives with autism and now speaks up for others in his community who want inclusion and acceptance. 

“I was fortunate to have a supportive family, teachers and paraeducators throughout my education,” Lynam said. “They encouraged me to advocate for myself, and I would like to advocate for others.” 

Drawing on this year’s national theme, “We Belong Here, and We Are Here to Stay,” Lynam stated that 1 in 4 Americans have disabilities. He called for those individuals affected to help shape the services and systems they rely on. 

“We appreciate being included in conversations that may affect us,” Lynam said.  

Lynam named Hummingbird Studios, Thurston County Specialized Recreation and Special Olympics as local organizations that provide inclusive spaces for residents with disabilities. 

He also credited Transition Academy, Project SEARCH, and the employment services nonprofit Morningside for assisting disabled adults in gaining job experience and community independence. 

“People in my community want to feel heard, accepted and included,” he said. “We need them to stay here with us.” 

Forum gives space to voices 

Board Chair Tye Menser then cited his own experience attending the most recent South Sound Legislative Forum. He said the format upended his assumptions and offered an opportunity for legislators to listen directly to complex lived experiences. 

“I thought it was going to be questions for legislators and them trying to navigate a world they don’t know that well,” Menser said.

“It was … really the opposite. It was people bringing stories forward and complex issues and legislators just listening to learn. ... I thought that was really valuable.” 

The Thurston County’s Disability Pride Month proclamation honors the national observance that originated with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.  

The federal law bars discrimination against people with disabilities, and affirms their right to equal opportunity in housing, jobs, education and government services. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Cole Lynam's name.