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Relevant Laws and Policies

DRAFT

At Seattle Colleges, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. This includes complying with federal and state laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and promote equal access to education and technology. By following these laws and policies, Seattle Colleges continues to foster an environment where all students and employees have the tools they need to succeed.
 

What These Laws Mean for Seattle Colleges

To comply with these laws and policies:

  • Equal Access: Students and employees with disabilities cannot be denied services, materials, or opportunities due to their disability.
  • Timely Accommodations: Accessible materials, such as captioned videos or alternative text, must be available in the same timeframe as materials for individuals without disabilities.
  • Accessible Design: Websites, digital tools, and course materials must be designed to enable independent access for individuals with disabilities.

Essentially, these laws mandate that a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and use the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and integrated manner. A person with a disability should be able to obtain the information and access the technology as fully, equally, and independently as a person without a disability. Although this might not result in identical ease of use compared to persons without disabilities, it still must ensure equal opportunity to experience the educational benefits and opportunities afforded by the technology.

Below is an overview of the key laws and policies that shape our commitment to accessibility. 
 

Federal Disability Civil Rights Laws

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 is a foundational civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs or activities receiving federal funding. It ensures equal access to education and employment by requiring reasonable accommodations that allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate. Examples include assistive technologies, alternative formats for documents, and modifications to facilities or policies.

Key Principles:

  • Protects against discrimination by federally funded programs.
  • Promotes integration and prohibits separate settings unless necessary for equitable access.
  • Requires accommodations to support the success of employees and students with disabilities.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA expands the protections of Section 504 to cover state and local governments, private employers, and public accommodations, regardless of federal funding.

  • Title I: Prohibits employment discrimination by employers with 15+ employees. Employers must provide accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
  • Title II: Prohibits discrimination by state and local governments, including public colleges and universities. It requires equal access to services, activities, and programs, ensuring non-discrimination in admissions, course participation, and campus life.

Title II and Web Accessibility (2024 DOJ Update)

In 2024, the Department of Justice updated Title II regulations to require public institutions, including colleges, to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards for all websites and digital content. This includes online course materials, public-facing web pages, and third-party applications. Compliance ensures individuals with disabilities can access digital content with the same quality and timeliness as others. For information, visit the Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments website.

Washington State Accessibility Policies

Washington State Core Services Acts

The RCW 28B.10 series affirms federal accessibility mandates while specifying requirements for higher education institutions. These include:

  • Providing core services like extended time on exams, accessible housing, and academic counseling.
  • Ensuring materials are available in alternative formats (e.g., captioned videos, text-to-speech documents).
  • Accommodating students in all aspects of college life, from recruitment to academic and non-academic programs.

SBCTC Policy 30.20.3B

This policy, adopted in 2016, mandates that Washington State community and technical colleges provide integrated and effective access to technology. It applies to instructional tools, administrative platforms, and communication technologies. Colleges must:

  • Develop processes and plans to ensure compliance.
  • Evaluate and improve the accessibility of emerging technologies.

WaTech USER-01 (Formerly Policy 188)

WaTech USER-01 policy requires all Washington State agencies to ensure accessibility of business and administrative technologies. While instructional tools are not mandated under this policy, institutions are encouraged to comply for consistency and equity. This includes:

  • Appointing an IT accessibility coordinator.
  • Developing an accessibility plan to prioritize compliance for new and existing technologies.

Seattle Colleges Policies

The following Seattle Colleges policies and procedures ratified by the Board of Trustees also highlight the institution's commitment to inclusive learning and working environments.