Disability Access and Services
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Resources and Services by Categories
What is a disability / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
How to file a discrimination complaint based on disability
Grievance procedure under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
On Service Animals
Fair housing and disabilities
Employment and disabilities
Public accommodations and disabilities
Disaster Preparedness and Disability
Accessing Seattle: transit and streets
Disability etiquette
Technical assistance for construction
ADA Requirements for Signage - types of letter, glossiness and Braille character height - PDF
Disability resource list
As a leader in civil rights, the City of Seattle is committed to ensuring all people's access to public and private facilities, programs and services. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights' "Access for All" web site addresses key topics for people with disabilities, including employment and housing discrimination, service animals and access to government services.
The site also provides links to disaster preparedness sites to help you plan for unforeseen disruptions in public service. Hurricane Katrina showed us that even first-responders are not immune to disaster - all of us need to be as prepared as possible.
The site also includes links to information on accessible travel within Seattle. A map shows public passageways in the downtown area that are accessible for people with mobility impairments. You also can find information about taxicabs and accessible mass transit.
For more information about disability access, please contact our ADA Title II Coordinator at 206-684-4500.
Information is available in other formats on request for people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are individual human beings - they are not conditions or diseases. An individual is not "an epileptic," but "a person who has epilepsy." First and foremost, people with disabilities are people.
A disability is a condition caused by accident, trauma, genetics or disease that limits a person's mobility, hearing, vision, speech, learning or mental function. Some people have more than one disability.
The ADA defines "disability" as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. This is the same definition used in Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Amendments Act. Under State of Washington law, disability is more broadly defined as "the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability."
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The purpose of the ADA is to:
- Provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities;
- Provide enforceable standards to address discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and
- Ensure that the federal government plays a central role in enforcing these standards on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
The ADA provides civil rights protection to people with disabilities similar to those given to people on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion and other protected classes. The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.
If you feel you have been discriminated against based on a disability, call SOCR at 206-684-4500 to speak with our intake investigator. You also can visit our office in the Central Building, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750 in downtown Seattle.
SOCR's intake investigator will help you sort through the facts of your situation, and describe to you your options under the law. The intake investigator will explain the definition of illegal discrimination. Different treatment does not necessarily mean illegal discrimination.
To help us learn more about your situation, please fill out the Intake Questionnaire online or
print out a copy . To avoid delays in processing, please submit only one Intake Questionnaire to SOCR (either by mail, online, or in person) regarding the same matter.
The questionnaire provides us with information we can use to help us serve you. It is not a formal complaint. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we will review it and then contact you for more information. You do not have to fill out the questionnaire in order to contact us about filing a charge.
Please note: the Seattle Office for Civil Rights has jurisdiction within Seattle city limits. Any charge of illegal discrimination must be filed within 180 days of the date that the incident under consideration occurred. If your situation does not qualify for investigation by us, we will refer you to another agency for help.
Other civil rights agencies:
- In unincorporated King County - King County Office for Civil Rights: 206-296-7592. For more information:www.kingcounty.gov/exec/civilrights.
- In Washington State - Washington State Human Rights Commission: 1-800-233-3247. For more information: www.hum.wa.gov.
Information is available in other formats on request for people with disabilities.
This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City. Seattle Municipal Code and Personnel Policies govern employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (49.60) prohibit state and local governmental agencies from discriminating against people with disabilities. In addition, the City of Seattle must provide reasonable modifications to existing policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access to programs and services. Allowing people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals onto premises where animals are usually prohibited is a reasonable modification of policy and practice.
Take the first step: Before filing your complaint, contact the City's ADA Coordinator to discuss your concerns. The ADA Coordinator can look into the issue and try to come up with an acceptable resolution to the situation. For more information, contact:
ADA Coordinator, Jacque Larrainzar
206-684-4533 (TTY 206-684-4503)
Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR)
810 Third Avenue, Suite 750
Seattle, Washington 98104-1627
You can file a complaint against the City using any of the following grievance procedures:
1. File a written complaint with the City of Seattle's ADA Coordinator as soon as possible, but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation.
- The written complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or designee.
- Alternative means of filing complaints - such as a personal interview or a tape recording - will be made available on request by people with disabilities.
- The written grievance should contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem.
- Within 15 calendar days after receiving the grievance, an SOCR official will meet with the complainant to discuss the grievance and possible resolutions.
- Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing or by other appropriate accessible format. The response will explain the position of the City and offer options for substantive resolution of the grievance.
- If the response by the ADA Coordinator does not resolve the issue, the complainant and/or designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receiving the response to the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights or designee.
- Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights or designee will meet with you to discuss the grievance and possible resolutions.
- Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights or designee will respond in writing or by other appropriate accessible format with a final resolution of the grievance.
- All written documents in the process will be retained by the City for at least three years.
2. File a charge with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR). Contact SOCR at 206-684-4500 (TTY 206-684-4503) or in person at 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750 in downtown Seattle. Charges must be filed within 180 days of an incident. All services are free, and reasonable accommodations are provided on request, including language interpretation.
3. File a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Justice through the ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-800-514-0383). You also can submit a written complaint to:
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Disability Rights Section - NYAV
Washington, DC 20530
Alternative formats and language translations for this document are available on request.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as "any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability." Under the law, a service animal is not considered a pet. The most common service animals are dogs, but other species (for example, cats or birds) also can be service animals.
Service animals can perform myriad services for people with disabilities, including guiding a person who is visually impaired, alerting a deaf individual to sounds (telephone, doorbell, fire alarms), signaling a person with seizure disorder to an oncoming seizure, carrying and picking up things for someone who uses a wheelchair, and helping with balance and opening doors.
Commonly Asked Questions about Service Animals
Understanding the Role of Service Animals
Sample Service Animal Policy for Landlords and Property Managers
Restaurant, Hotels, Parks, Law enforcement and Service Animals - video
Animals Working: A Guide to Service Animals in Public Places
Wallet Card: Guide to Service Animals in Public Places
Seattle Police Department Legal Bulletin 06-001
Date: 01/03/2006 - Service Animals and Dog Guides
Seattle Police Department Legal Bulletin 06-005
Date: 06/27/2006 - Service Animals and Dog Guides(Additional)
FAIR HOUSING AND DISABILITIES
Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and against those who associate with them. They also require provision of "reasonable accommodations" as necessary for people with disabilities, as well as require housing providers to allow residents with disabilities to make "reasonable modifications" to rentals and common areas.
If you feel you have been discriminated against based on a disability, call SOCR at 206-684-4500 to speak with our intake investigator.
You also can visit our office in the Central Building, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750 in downtown Seattle.
For more information: www.seattle.gov/civilrights/howtoocr.htm.
EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITIES
People with disabilities are protected from discrimination in employment. The law guarantees:
- Equal treatment for all job applicants.
- Equal opportunities for promotions, raises, assignments, etc.;
- Equal access to job benefits, including health insurance and training.
- Freedom from on-the-job harassment because of a disability.
In general, employers must provide a reasonable accommodation if someone with a disability requests one. Employers do not have to make an accommodation that poses an undue business hardship.
- Employers can request a letter from a health care professional documenting the need for an accommodation.
- Accommodations should match people's individual needs. Not everyone requires the same accommodation.
- Employers and employees should discuss any accommodation request. A conversation can help determine the most reasonable, cost-effective solution.
Confidentiality: With limited exceptions, employers must keep employees'/applicants' medical information confidential. Never discuss employees' circumstances with other co-workers.
If you feel you have been discriminated against based on a disability, call SOCR at 206-684-4500 to speak with our intake investigator. You also can visit our office in the Central Building, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750 in downtown Seattle.
Disabilities in the Workplace
EEOC Compliance Manual - Number 915.003, released April 19, 2006
This document covers the issuance of Section 15 of the new Compliance Manual on “Race and Color Discrimination.” It provides guidance on analyzing charges of race and color discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Issued by the Office of Legal Counsel, Title VII/ADEA/EPA Division, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Employment Discrimination: Where to Find Help
Fragrance Sensitivity- Accommodation of Employees with Fragrance Sensitivity - Guidance from the U.S. Dep. of Labor's Office
of Disability Employment Policy.
Job Accomodation Network (JAN)and Compliance Series is designed to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
For more information: www.seattle.gov/civilrights/howtoocr.htm.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND DISABILITIES
The City of Seattle protects people with disabilities from discrimination in public accommodations.
What is a public accommodation? Any place that is normally open to the public, such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, arenas, shopping centers, hospitals and clinics, recreational facilities, government offices, and transportation services such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.
A business or facility cannot require a person with a disability to show proof of a disability if s/he requests an accommodation.
If you feel you have been discriminated against based on a disability, call SOCR at 206-684-4500 to speak with our intake investigator. You also can visit our office in the Central Building, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 750 in downtown Seattle.
For more information: www.seattle.gov/civilrights/howtoocr.htm.
Access to information about the City of Seattle
The City of Seattle is obligated to provide information to people with disabilities about access to facilities, programs, services, and activities. Seattle City government must also let the public know whom to contact if they have questions about access or would like to request reasonable accommodations.
This information may be provided in written materials, posters in public places, or the broadcast by television or radio. Written notices must comply with requirements for effective communication, including offering alternate formats as appropriate.
Public Accommodations Facts
Public Accommodations Poster
In the last 20 years alone we have seen natural disasters of almost unprecedented size and scale. The Indonesian earthquake/tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were of such scale that they have few historical comparisons. In 1993, the Mississippi River rose to a level exceeding the "500 year flood." Yet in 2008 the Mississippi exceeded those flood levels again. September 11, 2001 showed us that human-made catastrophes can be just as devastating. Here in Seattle, recent wind, rain and snow storms have shown us the importance of disaster preparedness.
Such events drive home another important lesson: First responders - the fire, police, medical and other emergency personnel who rush to the scene of a disaster to provide aid and organization - cannot handle all the emergency situations that are likely to emerge in the first hours of a disaster.
If a disaster struck Seattle, what would you do? What resources are available to help you get prepared?
The following links offer vital information for people with disabilities to plan for a disaster and to organize essential resources.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs
King County Office of Emergency Management: "3 Days 3 Ways: Are you ready?"
American Red Cross Prepare.Org (printed in 13 languages)
Seattle Office of Emergency Management
Alliance of People with disabilities: Are you ready in case of an emergency
Remember: plan ahead! If a catastrophe occurs, you may not be able to access the Internet to view this information. Take time before disaster strikes. For example:
- Do you have enough prescription medicines to last three to five days?
- Do you have a way to contact others, or to be contacted by others?
- If your location is unsafe and you have to leave, what are your plans?
- Do you have enough food for you and your service animal?
Developing a personal preparedness plan will help ensure your safety in a disaster.
Seattle is a picturesque city on a hill. But don't let that fool you: Seattle also is an accessible city. The links below provide some resources and help for people with disabilities.
A guide to getting around downtown Seattle on Metro Transit for wheelchair users and those with other disabilities
Downtown Seattle Accessible Map and Transit Guide
Metro Transit provides a useful guide to getting around downtown Seattle for wheelchair users and others with disabilities. The link includes a large map that shows wheelchair travel routes, accessible tunnels and overhead walkways.
Downtown Metro Service
Frequent bus routes to help get around downtown Seattle
Hillclimb Assists - accessible routes on some of downtown Seattle's steepest hills This document outlines a number of designated accessible pedestrian routes for traveling east and west (up and down) through hilly downtown Seattle.
Parking Mobility Find disabled parking, report cars parked illegally, download a free application
Seattle Parking Map General parking information in Seattle, showing street parking by category, parking signs, etc. Check the "How to Use This Map tab" on the right side for instructions. Zoom in close for some functions.
A Disability Etiquette Handbook
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION
The following links provide technical information in a number of key areas:
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
As of March 15, 2012, compliance with the 2010 Standards will be required for new construction and alterations. In the period between September 15, 2010 and March 15, 2012, covered entities may choose between the 1991 ADA Standards (without the elevator exemption for Title II facilities), the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (Title II facilities only), and the 2010 Standards.
ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal for Business and Non- profits
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses and non-profit organizations to provide goods and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the public. Businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public are to remove architectural barriers when it is "readily achievable" to do so. This checklist is based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It updates the original ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal which was based on the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The original checklist was issued in 1992 and revised in 1995.
1991 ADA Standards
Facilities Access Quick Checklist Survey
Doors, Corridors & Accessible Route of Travel
Accessible Parking Specifications
Lower Counter Space
Accessible Toilet Stalls
Churches and Religious Organizations Facilities and the ADA
For the DOJ guidance regarding religious organizations please go to: www.justice.gov/crt/foia/readingroom/frequent_requests/ada_tal/tal057.txt
Church Extension
P.O. Box 7030
Indianapolis, IN 46207
(317) 635-6500 | (800) 274-1883
E-mail: bce@churchextension.org
Website: www.churchextension.org
ADA Planning Guide for the church
Disability Resources List
Here is a list of additional local and national ADA resources. Inclusion in this list does not constitute endorsement
by the City of Seattle. For comments and suggestions, please e-mail:
Elliott Bronstein.
Alliance of People with disAbilities - Seattle based advocacy organization
ADA Technical Assistance Hotline - U. S. Department of Justice
Voice 800-514-0301 or TTY 800-514-0383
Equal Access to Transportation - US Department of Transportation
Facts about ADA - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Disability Rights Office - Federal Communications Commission
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
ADA Requirements for Signage - types of letter, glossiness and Braille character height - PDF
Washington Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE)
Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA)
Job Accommodations Network (JAN) - U.S. Department of Labor
Washington Protection & Advocacy System (WPAS)
Transportation Security Administration's TSA Cares helpline number assists travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Call TSA Cares toll-free at 1-855-787-2227.
Proyecto Vision - bilingual web site for Latinos with disabilities
English-language version
Spanish-language version
About PDF Files: To view PDF files you need Adobe
Acrobat Reader in your system. You can
the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader from their site free of charge.
This and all information produced by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights will be provided
in alternative formats to people with disabilities upon request.
If you have questions, comments or requests about our services please contact our office
at (206) 684-4500 voice, (206) 684-4503 TTY or send email to
Elliott Bronstein.
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