More than nine hundred thousand Washington State residents with disabilities continue to face barriers to full participation that can easily be eliminated.
The Accessible Community Advisory Committees (ACAC) Act was promoted by the Legislature to help communities be more welcoming and inclusive for persons with disabilities and to promote and provide equal access to the opportunities available to others. Their participation enriches communities, enhances the strength of the diversity of a community and contributes toward the economic vitality of a community.
The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) was given the task to develop an Accessible Community Advisory Committee website to provide the following information: guidance, technical assistance, reference materials, and resource identification for local governments, accessible community advisory committees and public accommodations; examples of best practices for local initiatives and activities to promote greater awareness of disability issues and access for persons with disabilities within the community; and a searchable listing of local public accommodations that have taken steps to be more disability friendly, including information on the specific access features provided.
The GCDE will solicit proposals from active ACACs for projects to improve disability awareness and access for persons with disabilities, and will select projects for funding.
cover_letter_to_counties.doc (PDF)
instructions_to_complete_the_assurance_letter_.doc (PDF)
sample_assurance_letter.doc (PDF)
assurance_letter_for_expanding_voting_access_committee.doc (PDF)
enacting_regulations.doc (PDF)
nothing_about_us_without_us.doc (PDF)
Resources:
Disability Advocacy Groups (PDF)
Project Access Northwest collaborates with providers in the health care community to open doors to medical and dental care for individuals with limited access.
The Arc of Washington State’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Along with our network of members and chapters, we support and empower individuals and families; connect and inform individuals and families; improve support and service systems; influence public policy; increase public awareness; and inspire inclusive communities.
The ARC of Washington Resource Library
Through its ten regional centers, the ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our services are tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.
The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) is a program of the Washington State Library and the Office of the Secretary of State. Located in Seattle, WTBBL provides library services statewide, at the library and by mail, to any Washington resident unable to read standard print material due to blindness, visual impairment, deaf-blindness, physical disability (cannot hold a book or turn pages), or reading disability.