OLS Student Testifies for Legislative Bill

It has been an exciting start to 2019 for OLS Student Joey Wilson. Last year Joey was asked to share his story as part of the Arc of King County’s legislative packet concerning the Apple Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (AHWD) program for the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities forum held in November 2017. Those efforts were part of what led to Washington State House Bill 1199 which passed in the house unanimously on March 4.

Joey testified in front of the WA State House Healthcare and Wellness Committee on behalf of House Bill 1199, sharing his story and support of the bill. The bill was sponsored by 16 representatives including Healthcare and Wellness Committee Chair Rep. Eileen Cody of the 34th Legislative District and Rep. Noel Frame of the 36th District where Wilson lives. Joey first met Rep. Frame at the Nov 2017 forum and through that meeting was able to meet with her in Olympia as well regarding the issue.

If this bill passes, Joey and others enrolled in the AHWD program will be able to earn a higher income without losing their AHWD program benefits. Joey knew how big of an impact that could have on the disability community, so he came fully prepared to present his testimony to the committee. “It was an honor to be there, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to advocate for others. I was a little nervous, but I knew it could help thousands of people. Noel Frame, Eileen Cody, and the other legislators have been very helpful and supportive throughout this process,” he says.

Young man testifies in front of WA state House committee

Joey is in his 3rd year in the OLS Program, and besides helping him meet the team of people working to pass this legislation, he lists OLS as one of his “7 Positives”: the aspects of his life that help him maintain a positive outlook and give him hope.

“Self-determination is a skill that we teach and model for our students from the moment they decide to join our program, and it is a skill they will use for life,” says Pilar Lopez, Associate Dean of OLS. “What Joey did in Olympia shows how self-determination works for him. We are so proud of his growth and his accomplishments.”

“OLS has helped me gain confidence, and the faculty and staff are all supportive and want you to succeed and be independent,” says Joey. “I didn’t know where my future was headed before coming to OLS. It has opened many doors for me, and I recommend it for anyone with a learning disability.”

Young man stands in front ofWA State Capital building

You can watch the full video of the Jan 30 public hearing from Jan 30, including Joey’s testimony, here: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2019011319 (HB 1199 starts at approx. 21:37 and Joey’s testimony starts at approx. 30:35). The bill is now in the Senate.

Last Updated March 12, 2019