Public Accommodation (P.A.)
The WLAD defines "places of public accommodation" as any place the public gathers, including schools, government offices, stores, theaters, libraries, hospitals, and transit facilities. It also defines "reasonable accommodation" as action, reasonably possible in the circumstances, to make the regular services of a place of public accommodation accessible to people who otherwise could not use or fully enjoy the services because of their sensory, mental, or physical disability.
How are complaints filed?
To begin the complaint process, your complaint must be submitted through our online complaint portal. Downloadable complaint forms are also available by clicking here. You must file a WSHRC complaint questionnaire within the applicable statute of limitations, as outlined below. Complaints submitted after the statutory deadline cannot be accepted.
- Public Accommodation-related discrimination complaints must be filed with WSHRC, within six (6) months* from the date of alleged harm.
- *A complaint must be filed, fall within our limited jurisdiction, be drafted into a perfected charge document by WSHRC investigator, and the perfected charge document signed by the complainant – all within the statute of limitations referenced above to protect your filing rights.
- Public accommodation is defined in RCW 49.60 as any place that public gathers, including schools, government offices, stores, theaters, libraries, hospitals, and transit facilities.
- Reasonable accommodation is defined in RCW 49.60 as reasonably possible to make the regular services of a place of public accommodation accessible to people who otherwise could not use or fully enjoy the services because of their sensory, mental, or physical disability.
WSHRC does not have jurisdiction for complaints filed outside the statute of limitation.
WSHRC does not provide legal services.
Under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), “places of public accommodation” include any place where the general public is invited or permitted to gather. This definition covers a wide range of locations such as schools, government offices, stores, theaters, libraries, hospitals, and transit facilities.
The WLAD also defines “reasonable accommodation” as an action that is reasonably possible under the circumstances to ensure that individuals with sensory, mental, or physical disabilities can access and fully enjoy the regular services of a place of public accommodation. This may include modifications, adjustments, or assistance that enable a person with disability to use services that would otherwise be inaccessible.
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