The ADA is a civil rights law. It makes sure people with disabilities are treated fairly by making sure people with disabilities have the same access to jobs, schools, transportation, and public places as everyone else.
This section makes sure people with disabilities have the same chance to work as everyone else.
- Reasonable Accommodations: Employers must make changes to the workplace or the way a job is done so a person with a disability has the same chance to succeed as anyone else.
- Examples: Providing a specialized keyboard or adjusting a work schedule.
Get more information:
Government agencies like DCYF must make sure all their programs and services are open to everyone and that people with disabilities can use them as easily as anyone else.
Program Access: DCYF must look at each person’s unique needs and make sure they can access all DCYF programs and services the same as everyone else. We do this by:
Making Simple Changes (Reasonable Modifications)
DCYF may need to change its "usual way" of doing things so everyone has the same access. These are called reasonable modifications. Examples include:
- Allowing service animals in areas where pets are usually not allowed.
- Giving a parent more time to complete a required class, or
- Changing how parenting skill classes are given
Helping People Communicate (Communication Access)
Businesses must find ways to communicate with people who have hearing, speech, or vision disabilities. This might include:
- Providing sign language interpreters or written captions.
- Offering documents in Braille or large print.
Accessing the Building (Physical Access)
DCYF buildings and offices must make sure people with disabilities can physically get in and move around. If a specific office does not allow physical access, DCYF must find a nearby location that does allow access (such as for a supervised visit). DCYF can also fix physical barriers by adding a ramp.
Private businesses that serve the public—such as doctor’s offices, daycares, and restaurants—must be open to everyone. They are required to follow accessibility rules so that people with disabilities can use their services.
A business may need to change its "usual way" of doing things, so everyone has the same access. These are called reasonable modifications. Examples include:
- Allowing service animals in areas where pets are usually not allowed.
- Asking a staff member to help a customer reach an item on a high shelf.
- Changing a rule to help someone get the service they need.
Businesses must find ways to communicate with people who have hearing, speech, or vision disabilities. This might include:
- Providing sign language interpreters or written captions.
- Offering documents in Braille or large print.
- Example: A movie theater providing a device that shows captions during the film.
DCYF buildings and offices must make sure people with disabilities can physically get in and move around. If a specific office does not allow physical access, DCYF must find a nearby location that does allow access (such as for a supervised visit). DCYF can also fix physical barriers by adding a ramp.
Get more information:
U.S. Department of Justice - ADA Information and Technical Assistance
- Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the ADA
- Protecting the Rights of Parents and Prospective Parents with Disabilities
- ADA Requirements: Effective Communications
ADA National Network: information, Guidance, and Training on the ADA
Title IV of the ADA requires telephone and Internet companies to provide a nationwide system of interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services that allows individuals with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate over the telephone. This title also requires closed captioning on federally funded public service announcements.
Telecommunication Relay services is also known as Washington Relay. Calls can be made to anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restriction on the number, length, or type of calls. All calls are confidential; no recordings are kept.
A variety of types of relay services exist for D/deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and speech disabled. Visit Washington’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Telecommunication Relay Services to learn more.
Telecommunication Equipment Distribution
Washington’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) distributes telecommunication equipment that enables Washington residents to have independent use of the telephone.
To learn more about the types of equipment available and apply to receive services, visit ODHH’s Telecommunication Equipment Distribution website.
