Last update: 08/05/2009
Accessibility resources - policy
Please see Accessibility resources - technical for a list of organizations and information for assistance with implementing rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Policies, Guidelines, and Standards
- ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for Buildings and Facilities
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Executive Order: Implementing ADA
- Executive Order: Controlling State Travel Expenditures
- International Code Council (ICC)
- Office of Financial Management Accounting Rules: ADA Section
- Reasonable Accommodations Policy Guidelines
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 51-50 - Washington building code amendments
Washington state agencies and organizations
- Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
- Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC)
- Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE)
- Human Rights Commission
- Labor and Industries
- University of Washington Center of Technology and Disability Studies
- Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA)
Federal agencies
- Architectural Transportation and Compliance Board (ATCB)
- Architectural Barriers Act Federal Buildings Complaint Form
- Department of Education
- Department of Health and Human Services
-
Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) - Department of Transportation
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Department of Justice, State Local Government Buildings Complaints
- U.S. Access Board - a federal agency committed to accessible design
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted by Congress in 1990. It is a comprehensive civil rights law that makes it unlawful for public and private employers to discriminate against individuals with disabilities. In addition, ADA covers access to public and private programs, services, facilities, and transportation. In particular, Title II of ADA requires government entities to remove barriers that preclude the full participation of people with disabilities. This applies to any services, programs, or facilities.
Law against discrimination and the Barrier-free Code of Washington State
Since the mid-1970's, strong Washington state laws have prohibited discrimination in employment, public accommodation, housing, credit, and insurance. ADA has raised the visibility of these requirements. Now, even more leverage is being applied to assure that people with disabilities have greater access to jobs, public accommodations, government services, public transportation, and telecommunications. People with disabilities are now positioned to gain full participation in - and access to - all aspects of society.
