DASH HISTORY

Since forming in May 1999, Disability Awareness Starts Here! (DASH) has successfully employed community advocacy and education to improve the access to public places and programs in Jefferson County, and to educate the community about why and how good access makes sense for everyone.

Throughout the years, DASH has been instrumental in improving access to streets and sidewalks; trails and paths; public buildings and office space; and even parking lots and restrooms. DASH has done this by consulting and working with the city of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, the Port of Port Townsend, the police and sheriff departments, Jefferson Healthcare, many local restaurants and businesses, Port Townsend Library, Key City Players, Fort Worden, Centrum, the local school districts, 4-H, local churches, Jefferson Transit and the Port Townsend Arts Commission -- to name but a few.

DASH regularly sponsors community forums on a wide variety of topics. Past topics have included accessible recreation; available tax benefits to businesses that improve access; access to the arts; access laws and common sense applicable to new construction; changes in state laws; “walkable” communities; accessibility issues related to law enforcement; service animals; and “people first” language.

DASH produces a map of “Accessible Port Townsend” for persons who use mobility aides, and a guide to “Disability-Friendly Restaurants”. Printed versions of the map and the restaurant brochure are available at the Port Townsend Visitors' Center or by contacting DASH and requesting a copy.

If you would like to join the DASH team, or find out more about DASH, or learn how you can support DASH's efforts, please contact Mr. Lynn Gressley, DASH President, or Ms. Pat Teal, DASH Vice-President