WSDOT is committed to providing equal access to its facilities, programs and services for persons with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the Office of Equal Opportunity is charged with assisting WSDOT in complying with these laws.
Public Rights-of-Way
We are working to improve the accessibility of our public rights-of-way. In this vein, WSDOT has developed an online survey to assist us in this important endeavor. Learn more about the survey itself or how you can provide feedback.
ADA Design and Technical Assistance
The Roadside and Site Development Section is part of the WSDOT Design Office and provides, among other things, leadership in project development, policy, research, training, analysis, and technical expertise for effective roadside management and project delivery in a way that integrates ADA requirements into WSDOT facilities. The Roadside and Site Development section can provide assistance for fulfilling the legal requirements of the ADA.
In addition, WSDOT’s Highways and Local Programs Division, Community Planning and Development section includes online tools and links designed to assist local agencies with their ADA compliance activities.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
WSDOT has established the AAC as a part of an on-going effort to ensure that its facilities, programs and services are accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with federal and state law. The AAC’s involvement is critical to ensure that WSDOT actively addresses accessibility deficiencies that exist in its:
- Public use facilities
- Ferry vessels and terminals
- Right of Way
- Modes of communication
The AAC fosters communication and promotes partnerships both internally and with external stakeholders statewide for the purpose of providing input to WSDOT in order to incorporate accessibility issues and planning into project design and construction as it relates to the agency’s facilities, programs and services.
The AAC was chartered in 2008 by WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity and will advise WSDOT on mobility and accessibility issues as it relates to the implementation of the agency’s ADA Transition plan.
Roles of Committee
- The committee identifies factors inhibiting barrier free access to WSDOT facilities, programs and services and will work to enhance their overall accessibility in accordance with WSDOT policy and applicable federal and state law.
- The committee reviews, comments, and advises WSDOT regarding access issues relating to the design, construction and implementation of its public use facilities, ferry vessels and terminals, right of way, and modes of communication. WSDOT staff includes the committee’s input in their decision making process. Final decisions, however, reside with the WSDOT staff.
- The committee does not process complaints, comments or other suggestions about the day-to-day operations of other agencies or for agencies contracted to provide transportation services for WSDOT.
- The work of the committee does not replace other WSDOT outreach or public involvement efforts.
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries is committed to providing equal access for passengers with disabilities. Learn more about Washington State Ferries accessibility program.
Public Transportation
The Public Transportation Division supports the work of public transportation providers throughout Washington State through grants, technical assistance, and project development as they strive to provide accessible transportation. The Washington public transportation network includes fixed route, ADA Para-transit, intercity bus operations, vanpooling, and rideshare options. View more information on these activities.
Public Requests for Reasonable Accommodation
As a member of the public, you are encouraged to make any requests for reasonable accommodation related to access of WSDOT’s programs, services or activities. Such requests may include:
- Printed materials in alternative formats
- Sign Language Interpreters
- Assisted Listening Devices
- Website Accessibility/PDF document conversion
To make a request, you can either fill out the Public Request for Reasonable Accommodation form (pdf 28 kb) or contact WSDOT’s ADA Compliance Officer as indicated below.
Employee Requests for Reasonable Accommodation
WSDOT will not deny employment opportunities to an otherwise qualified individual with a disability because that individual requires reasonable accommodations to facilitate or continue employment, unless the accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the department. WSDOT will engage in the reasonable accommodation process pursuant to Chapter 25 of the Human Resources Desk Manual in an effort to eliminate job related barriers associated with or arising from known sensory, mental, or physical impairment(s) of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. To learn more about the reasonable accommodation process, including how to make a request, please visit Office of Human Resources' Reasonable Accommodation.
Any individual, group of individuals, or entity that believes they have been subjected to discrimination based on disability may file a complaint by contacting the ADA Compliance Officer/Disability Program Manager, Office of Equal Opportunity, at (360) 705-7097 or via email at murinks@wsdot.wa.gov. Written complaints may also be sent to Washington State Department of Transportation, Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Avenue SE, Olympia, Washington 98504-7300.
ADA Related Links
In conjunction with the federal Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) maintains a web page of useful links for employers.
The Federal Highway Administration’s Office for Civil Rights has a web page dedicated to questions about the ADA and Section 504.
The Federal Transit Administration strives to ensure non-discriminatory, equitable, accessible and safe public transportation, which enhances the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities. View information about their ADA compliance program.
The Washington State Independent Living Council (SILC) promotes independent living for persons with disabilities in Washington and to work with the Centers for Independent Living to develop capacity and expand their services. In addition, the SILC monitors, reviews, and evaluates the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The goal of the Council is to ensure provision of community-based, consumer-controlled, cross-disability services in compliance with requirements of Title VII of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and in accordance with Independent Living Philosophy. View additional information on the SILC and the Independent Living Community in Washington.
DBTAC (Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center) Northwest was established to serve business, state and local government and people with disabilities as they work together to meet the challenges of disability and its impact on society. DBTAC’s call center provides free consultation to questions regarding compliance with the ADA, and how to effectively respond to the formula driven process of accommodating the human condition in employment, accessibility, transportation, and access in the information age.