The Disability Empowerment Center is a nonprofit organization run by people with disabilities and rooted in the philosophy that people with disabilities should have the choice to live independently and thrive as important members of our community.
DEC provides King County residents with free individualized services such as skills training for independent living, peer support groups, and resources and referrals to a network of partner agencies. You can support DEC in return: check out the DEC calendar, including webinars on understanding ableism.
A CREATE Community Partner since 2022, DEC provides ongoing support for our grant efforts, shares valuable feedback through stakeholder and advisory committee participation, and is a strong community connection for CREATE’s students and research projects.
Last month, DEC’s executive director Kimberly Meck spoke at a CREATE Coffee Chat on community-engaged research. She shared advice for working with communities – tailor communications to the audience, recognize they may have multiple disabilities, and engage deeply.
When asked what’s new and exciting at DEC, Meck described their new Laptop Library. “Our participants with disabilities can borrow one of our devices (or use one on-site) to do email, fill out online applications, apply for services, register to vote, and so much more.”
Meck also noted that DEC’s peer group programs have increased in number and scope, now happening in three locations throughout King County. These meet-ups are led by people with disabilities for people with disabilities to connect in a comfortable, empowering setting.
