Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities (including parents and caregivers) under state and federal laws.
DCYF does not treat people with disabilities unfairly (discriminate). In our work with families, DCYF will:
- Treat people with disabilities as individuals based on their skills and needs.
- Talk with or write to people with disabilities in a way they understand.
- Adjust to the needs of people with disabilities (also referred to as reasonable modifications/accommodations).
Does This Apply to Me?
Under the law, many things may be called a “disability” that you may not expect. Some disabilities you can see, and some you cannot. Some examples of disabilities include:
- Learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dysgraphia
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Sensory disabilities such as hearing loss or low vision
- Mental health disabilities such as PTSD, major depression, or substance use disorders
- Mobility disabilities such as those requiring the use of a walker, cane, or wheelchair
- Some medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or HIV
There are many other disabilities not listed here. If you think you may have a disability and need DCYF to change or modify how it does things, you can talk to any of the people listed below.
- The DCYF staff person assisting you, your assigned case worker or their supervisor
- DCYF’s ADA Accessibility Program at dcyf.adaaccessibility@dcyf.wa.gov or by calling (360) 480-7230, relay users dial 7-1-1 or Video Phone: (360) 200-8524
