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
Learn About DCYF’s Disability Access Work Plan
DCYF wants everyone to be able to use the agency’s services, programs, and information. The Disability Access Work Plan explains how DCYF will improve accessibility and support people with disabilities and gives an overview of the steps DCYF is taking—and plans to take—to make sure people with disabilities can use its programs and services fairly and equally. This is the start of a larger initiative. Items that are not included in this plan will be listed in the sections for future needs or considerations.
This work plan:
- Defines “accessibility” and “equitable access”
- Forms a steering committee to support accessibility work
- Develops agency-wide efforts and a method for choosing which accessibility projects to do first
- Creates ways to regularly review and update the plan
To learn more, visit the Disability Access Work Plan.
