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ADA & Disability Equity Program
The program focuses on Title II of the ADA, which covers public access to County services, and supports Human Resources on Title I, which covers employment. It is currently led by two specialists who serve as King County’s ADA Coordinators. The specialists support the King County Executive in identifying challenges and adjusting systems to be responsive to the needs of the disability community. While also providing critical guidance and expertise to departments to meet the needs of all King County residents.
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:
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.
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.
How can King County help me if I have concerns about ADA compliance?
If you believe you have been discriminated on the basis of your disability, please view the Civil Rights Section of OERSJ’s website to learn more information or submit a grievance.