Woman speaks behind a podium. Black white photography.

Robin Tatsuda, The Arc of King County, speaks about disability rights as civil rights.

January 29, 2024

Kindering’s Day on the Hill at the State Capitol started off strong with 31 legislative meetings – and it ended off strong, as well! In the evening, Kindering hosted a Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Mansion for disability advocates, legislators, and other state leaders.

The speaking program included:  

  • Governor Jay Inslee | Office of the Governor 
  • Phil Banta | Emcee 
  • Lisa Greenwald | Welcome 
  • Allison Krutsinger | Department of Children, Youth, & Families 
  • Robin Tatsuda | The Arc of King County 
  • Rome Johnson | Kindering Parent 
  • Representative Tana Senn | Early Support Legislative Champion 

The event was an opportunity for disability advocates to gather and galvanize mid-Legislative Session as relevant legislative measures were being considered.  

Man stands behind podium, microphone in hand. Black & white photography.

Phil Banta, President of the Kindering Board of Directors, serves as emcee.

Woman with straight brown hair speaks behind a podium. Black and white photography.

Kindering CEO Lisa Greenwald speaks at the Kindering Legislative Reception.

HB 1916 by Rep. Tana Senn is a top Kindering priority. It would make a technical but critical fix to the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) system by allowing ESIT providers like Kindering to bill for all children served in a given month.  

Kindering has been advocating for this bill for two years now, and has been deeply grateful to see it 1) become official Agency Request Legislation by the Department of Children, Youth, & Families this year, 2) be funded in the Governor’s proposed budget, and 3) pass the House of Representatives with unanimous support! At present, the bill is still “alive” and under consideration by the State Senate.

This bill would fund ESIT services like:  

  • Physical therapies to help children learn to use mobility devices and/or walk, 
  • Speech language therapies to help children use augmentative alternative communications devices, speak, and/or use sign language;  
  • Feeding therapies to help children learn to swallow food and liquids, or manage a feeding tube, and more. 

 

 

In his speech during the Legislative Reception, Governor Jay Inslee said: 

“Trudi and I really appreciate what you’re doing here… I’m glad we’ve been able to do a little help in our budget… because we know how important it is for these young kids. We know the miracles you’re producing for so many young kids.”

Trudi Inslee at Kindering’s Legislative Reception.

Governor Inslee in focus with Trudi Inslee smiling in the background. Black and white photograph.

Governor Jay Inslee at Kindering’s Legislative Reception.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of Kindering’s Day on the Hill, Representative Tana Senn stated:  

A woman with straight brown hair and glasses speaks before a podium, microphone in hand. Black and white photography.

Rep. Tana Senn speaks about HB 1916, her bill to support services for infants & toddlers with disabilities.

Man stands behind podium, smiling, microphone in hand. Black and white photography.

Rome Johnson shares his story as a father of a young child with a disability.

“Kindering’s Day on the Hill brought into focus the extraordinary impact that Kindering has on the lives of children and families. Today wasn’t just about an event; it was a celebration of the transformative work that Kindering and other early intervention providers undertake daily, offering hope and support to families in our community. It’s a distinct honor to be the legislative champion of House Bill 1916, which will ensure timely funding for Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) programs like Kindering.”

The evening’s keynote speaker and father of a Kindering graduate, Rome Johnson, closed his speech by saying:  

“As you see this bill come across your desk, I want you to remember this story and remember they said my daughter wouldn’t walk, they said she wouldn’t have a good quality of life… but we’re making it happen. And Kindering is a huge part of that.” 

For Rome’s speech, click here.  

Kindering is deeply thankful to Gov. Inslee, Rep. Senn, DCYF, and all the early support advocates who have been sharing their stories and making their voices heard about the importance of early support services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. 

Photo Credit: Lisa Wissner-Slivka