Three years of serving on the state’s Developmental Disabilities Council left Shoreline resident Laethan Wene with the drive to continue lobbying for people with disabilities.
“I think it’s very important for people with disabilities, who can speak for themselves, to advocate for themselves,” he said.
From 2004 to 2007 Wene, who is mildly disabled, was part of Washington’s 33-member Developmental Disabilities Council. Members are appointed by the governor to lobby and work for services that benefit people with developmental disabilities. At his last council meeting on March 20 in Federal Way, Wene, 33, was presented with an award in recognition of his service.
“He was a very active member of the council and always took part in our discussions,” Ed Holen, executive director of the Developmental Disabilities Council, said. “He is very interested in promoting a better awareness of issues and interested in promoting employment opportunities for the developmentally disabled.”
While on the council, Wene met with Gov. Christine Gregoire, Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline and Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest Park. He was an active part of creating the council’s Five Year Strategic Plan.
Wene said he was inspired to talk to more people about housing options for developmentally disabled people after attending a council meeting last year about group homes in Shoreline.
“People need to get involved with supporting independent living,” he said. “That’s why I spoke out at the council meeting because it’s important for people with disabilities.”
Wene lives on his own in an apartment and works at Arby’s in Edmonds. A Shoreline nonprofit, Banchero Friends Services, helps provide him with case management services.
He said he plans to continue to lobby for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and be involved with the Northwest Center Industries in Seattle Northwest Center. He also plans to remain active at Shoreline Community Church, the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and attend Shoreline City Council and Planning Commission meetings.
“Some of the people on the Shoreline City Council are mentors to me,” he said. “Like Ron Hansen and Mayor Ryu and former council member Rich Gustafson.”
For Wene, just being active in the community and encouraging others to speak on the behalf of the developmentally disabled is one way to keep others apprised of the needs of developmentally disabled people across the state.
“I think some people in the city of Shoreline should be more involved with disabled people,” he said.
“Other people can be involved just by being a mentor and a friend.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
