Co-chair of the Seattle Disability Commission, Shelby Dey, doing community outreach at an event at City Hall.

The Seattle Disability Commission (SDC) is accepting applications from community volunteers. Commissioners make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and City departments about programs, policies, and practices that increase participation of people with disabilities into all areas of economic, political, and community life. People who are passionate about promoting equity, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications will remain open until seats are filled. 

“When we focus on improving life for people who face the most barriers, it makes things better for everyone,” said Scot Nelson, member of the Seattle Disability Commission. “I want Seattle to lead the world in building a city designed for people with disabilities to live, work, study, and play. The Seattle Disability Commission’s efforts to make transportation and employment more inclusive is exactly the kind of work I want to help with towards achieving that vision.”  

Raising Awareness About Disability Rights Since 2009 

For over 15 years, the SDC has taken action to raise awareness about issues impacting people with disabilities and advocate for stronger disability rights. SDC has advised the City of Seattle on several programs and policies to increase equitable access to employment, transportation, public spaces, and more. In recent years, the commission’s accomplishments include, but are not limited to: 

• Securing new public wheelchair charging stations at Seattle Center Armory, Seattle Public Libraries, and the Seattle Municipal Tower.

• Advising on accessible recreation spaces through Seattle Parks CommUNITY Fund. 

• Provided feedback on Seattle Age Friendly anti-ageism trainings.

Work Plan Priorities in 2025

The SDC strives to be a voice for people with disabilities and recognizes the importance of intersectionality and advocating for all people. Each year, the commission adopts new goals to deepen their advocacy and make progress toward their policy priorities. Goals for 2025 include partnering with employers, transit agencies, and the City of Seattle to:

• Expand career options for people with disabilities
• Enhance parking and sidewalk accessibility
• Advise on accessibility practices for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026
• Improve public transportation accessibility, and offer disability-awareness trainings to transit staff

To learn more about SDC’s 2025 work plan, watch this video of their presentation to City Council from February 12, 2025.

What to Expect

To join the commission, you must live or work in Seattle, be able to dedicate 10-15 hours per month toward commission duties, and be able to demonstrate your commitment to civil rights and social justice. SDC welcomes diversity in all ways of thinking, believing, and lived experiences. People with disabilities, women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth and young adults, older adults, immigrants, and refugees are encouraged to apply. 

Your responsibilities as a commissioner will include attending monthly meetings, participating in committee work, meeting with City departments, communicating with legislators, and addressing community concerns. Disability commission meetings currently provide several accommodations including live captioning, American Sign Language interpreters, and documents in 22-point font for screen readers.  

How to Apply

To be considered to serve, submit an application, resume, and cover letter through the City of Seattle Boards and Commissions website. Alternatively, as an accommodation, applicants may email a video to sebastian.wilson@seattle.gov describing their resume and interest in joining the commission. For additional accommodations in the application process, email Sebastian Wilson at sebastian.wilson@seattle.gov, or call (206) 310-5366, TTY: 7-1-1.

Attend a public meeting to learn more  

Are you curious about joining SDC, but would like to learn more first? Consider attending a meeting! SDC’s meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome—including prospective members! Meetings are hosted online and in person on the third Thursday of every month from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Click here to view the calendar of upcoming meetings and get information on how to join. 

Language services and accommodations are available 

The City of Seattle encourages everyone to participate in its services and activities. For disability accommodations, materials in alternate formats, or accessibility information, contact (206) 310-5366, TTY 7-1-1 at your earliest opportunity. Providing at least 72 hours notice will help ensure accessibility accommodations can be met; sign language interpreting requests may take longer.