Our Impact

Britt’s Story: Finding Support to Live Independently

“I became connected to the Disability Empowerment Center when I was homeless a year ago.”

Britt (they/them), a 27-year-old with short, dark-blond hair, brown eyes and a nose ring, came to us in 2021 for help finding housing. They had previously been living at home with their mom and then in a shared housing situation with 11 other people that didn’t work out.  

Britt describes their disability as a learning disability that was never properly diagnosed. “I’ve been in special ed most of my schooling life,” they said.

Disability Empowerment Center staffers helped Britt create a list of goals, and Britt jumped right in. At the top of the list was finding stable housing. Staff helped Britt go on housing tours and learn how to sign a lease. They also needed help finding furniture and figuring out the logistics of moving.

Britt is now in their own apartment in downtown Seattle.  And they are continuing to set goals and check them off. Recent successes Britt reports include taking classes at Seattle Central College, learning to cook for themself, starting a new hobby growing and tending to houseplants, getting a job as a courtesy clerk at a grocery store, joining a peer support group and much, much more.

 “Disability Empowerment Center really gives you the tools as a disabled person to feel like you can do stuff, even though there are people who say you can’t because you’re disabled.”

Meet Thao, 23

"I have been with Disability Empowerment Center for five years. Before I came, I had a difficult life. There were problems with housing and relationships. I didn’t know about options and opportunities that support living with a disability, and I was very hesitant to be a self-advocate. The Disability Empowerment Center has changed all that. Because of it, I was accepted to college, I received funding from WA Access Fund that allowed me to buy a phone, and I have a long-term volunteer position and have someone to turn to as a peer when I need support. Also, it has helped me become a better self-advocate.

Now I am not afraid to confront problems in relationships or work towards educating our legislators about Independent Living. A person in my life suggested that I should not hold a job due to my disability. I decided to be a self-advocate and express my feelings about this issue in a letter. Now, I am moving forward with exploring possibilities around work because it is what I want. I have also learned to advocate on a wider level. I recently went to Olympia with Disability Empowerment Center staff and we had the opportunity to meet with legislators to educate them about what Independent Living is, and how the Disability Empowerment Center helps people. I got to talk to an assistant from my district and explained to him how the organization has helped improve my life.

Without Disability Empowerment Center, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I feel successful, and my life has changed for the better."