ANSWERS: 1
  • Like every U.S. state, Washington state has its own definition of what constitutes a "disability." This definition, updated on July 21, 2007, pertains specifically to issues of discrimination; it is actually broader than the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal definitions.

    Location

    The updated definition of disability in Washington State may be found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The code number is RCW 49.60.040 and the full text is available on the website of the Washington State Legislature.

    Discrimination Issues

    RCW 49.60.040 relates to issues of discrimination in a work setting, a housing environment, or elsewhere. The revised definition does not affect the rules and procedures that exist in services and benefits programs.

    Definition of "Disability"

    According to RCW 49.60.040, "disability" means the presence of a sensory, mental, or physical impairment that can be either medically known or diagnosed, demonstrated in a medical record or history, or even perceived to exist regardless of its actual existence.

    Degree of Disability

    The RCW also states that a disability can be said to exist whether it is temporary or permanent, common or uncommon, extreme or mild, or whether or not it limits one's ability to work at one particular job or to do any work at all.

    Definition of "Impairment"

    RCW 49.60.040 also provides a broad definition of "impairment," in order to clarify the use of the word in the definition of disability. Impairment includes, "but is not limited to," any psychological or developmental or traumatic or mental disorder or condition, as well as any cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss.

    Source:

    Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

    Washington State Human Rights Commission

    Social Security Administration

    Resource:

    Washington State Legislature

    Disability.gov

    Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy