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ADA & Disability Equity Program

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Equity Program was established in 2022 after receiving feedback from the disability community that the County was not meeting their needs. The program primarily focuses on Title II of the ADA, which ensures public access to county services, while also supporting Human Resources with Title I, related to employment. It is currently led by two specialists who serve as King County’s ADA Coordinators.

The program supports King County residents and government by:

  • Providing guidance and support to departments trying to achieve or maintain compliance with all county services, programs, communications, and infrastructure;
  • Supporting departments in moving beyond compliance and into disability equity;
  • Facilitating a monthly ADA and Disability Equity Community of Practice;
  • Helping individuals connect with the appropriate staff to request and receive accommodations;
  • Starting the centralization of resources, training, and other ADA and disability equity work across the County;
  • Hosting Disability Pride Day to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA and Disability Pride Month; and
  • Assisting the King County Executive in identifying challenges and adapting systems.
If you have questions, would like to collaborate, or need assistance please email kcada@kingcounty.gov.

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What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?


The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.

ADA compliance is federally required for King County. The ADA applies to organizations and businesses that fit one or more of the following criteria:

  • All local, county, state, and federal government agencies.
  • Any business that relies on the general public or for their benefit.
  • Privately run companies that currently have 15 or more employees.
  • Non-profit and charitable organizations which either have 15 or more employees or which operate for the benefit of the general public.

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    A good general guideline you can use to determine if your business should be ADA-compliant is to answer this question: “Does your business or organization have places or areas that are designed for public accommodation?”

    What Is Title I of the ADA?

     

    Title I of the ADA is focused on employment by helping people with disabilities access the same employment opportunities and benefits available to people without disabilities. Title I requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees.

    Representation of otherwise qualified disabled people within King County government is critical to pushing beyond compliance and into equity. To achieve this, compliance with Title I when hiring, retaining, and supporting otherwise qualified disabled employees at King County is critical.

    The ADA and Disability Equity Specialists focus on Title II work. This is in recognition that human resources work is a specialized field that requires training, certification, and a high level of confidentiality. Thus, this work is best handled by those qualified professionals while we provide support, advocate for systems change, and for Title I compliance.

    Disability Services for King County Employees

     

     

    What Is Title II of the ADA?


    Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities such as state and local governments. Title II requires public entities to make their programs, services, facilities, and activities accessible to people with disabilities. It also outlines requirements for self-evaluation and transition planning to modify existing services and facilities to bring them into compliance. Our specialists at OERSJ are working through each King County department to develop a self-evaluation and transition plan bringing all areas of the County into compliance.

    ADA Title II Policy Statement

    What can I do if I have concerns about ADA compliance?


    If you need help navigating the King County government accommodations process email us at kcada@kingcounty.gov. We are happy to help you connect with the appropriate employees and departments to make this possible.

    If you believe you have been discriminated on the basis of your disability; you can file a complaint. The Civil Rights team investigates and resolve complaints of discrimination against King County government or employers, housing providers, and businesses in unincorporated King County Assistance is available for individuals who need support filling out the complaint form, please contact 206-263-2446 or civilrights@kingcounty.gov.

    Review King County’s Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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