September Public Health Spotlight
From the Office of the Secretary of Health
Mission: The Public Health Spotlight promotes the work of community health leaders and researchers across the state of Washington.
Our first Public Health Spotlight features Mayra Colazo, the Executive Director of Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR). CWDR is a key community health partner that provides training and support services free of charge to anyone who identifies as having a disability, regardless of age, gender, or national origin and status. Their unique staffing and board structure centers peer-to-peer care and is a model for effective community and public health services. We were lucky to recently talk with Mayra about her work with CWDR. Read on to learn more!
What got you interested in public health?
As a person with a disability having to navigate the public health system, I found many barriers for myself and my family. One of the biggest barriers was language access. Trying to understand the medical terminology was really hard since it takes me a little longer to process things. Secondly, access to doctors and providers in my native language. My primary language is Spanish, and many of the times we would go see our doctor, we had very little understanding of what they were saying because we couldn’t get an interpreter. Finally, not being able to get an appointment in a reasonable time. For me to get medications refilled or speak to my counselor, it would take months and I would be super anxious because there was nothing I could do to be seen sooner.
Can you tell me about your work?
I am currently the Executive Director at Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR), a non-residential center for independent living. CWDR advances the empowerment, inclusion, and wellness of all persons with disabilities through advocacy, community education, peer mentoring, and skill development so that they may realize independence and full participation in all areas of life. Our organizational rules require 51% of our staff and board of directors to be people with disabilities; therefore, we have a unique insight into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. We are peers, not just providers.
CWDR focuses on guiding the Independent Living Movement by advocating for independence, equity, and justice. We work to raise the voices of those who are most marginalized — from BIPOC to LGBTQ+ people, from immigrants to those in poverty. This gives us an advantage in providing services and resources to people with disabilities. We are highly motivated to take a personal interest in the people we help. We are committed to empowering them by identifying and obtaining housing, employment, medical care, and assistive technologies. We are passionate advocates for removing barriers to full involvement in the community. CWDR currently provides many different programs throughout our service area, which is Kittitas, Yakima, Grant, Chelan, and Douglas Counties.
In addition to our core services, I focus a lot on accessibility and representation not only in our service area, but also statewide. I do this because it is so important that nothing about us is done without us.
What’s one accomplishment of you or your organization you’re particularly proud of?
We have been really busy growing and expanding our services, which makes me super proud of the staff and board of directors and their trust in me as the Executive Director to really advocate for our mission and to be able to provide as many services as possible to individuals with disabilities. During Covid-19, we have been hosting vaccine clinics and partnering with other organizations to make sure we are doing our part on keeping those who are immune compromised safe!
Please complete this sentence: Healthy communities have…
access to resources in an accessible way so that everyone can feel like they are part of their community.
What’s your favorite place in Washington state?
My kids and I love to eat at the Mongolian Grill in Yakima.
Where can people find you or your organization?
Mycwdr.org and https://www.facebook.com/centralwashingtondisabilityresources
