by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) Public Accommodations (Disability Discrimination) regulations, what is the definition of disability? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).
THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY (RCW)
RCW 49.60.120(3) is the statutory authority enabling the WSHRC to adopt Public Accommodations (Disability Discrimination) regulations defining the term disability. See WAC 162-26-040, WA State Legislature Website (bottom of page body). The statute declares that the WSHRC has “the function[], power[], and dut[y] … [t]o adopt, amend, and rescind suitable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith.” RCW 49.60.120(3) (hyperlinks added).
DEFINITION OF DISABILITY
WAC 162-26-040 is the relevant regulation, and it defines the term disability as follows:
…
(2) General definitions special to this chapter. The following words or phrases are used in this chapter in the meaning given, unless the context clearly indicates another meaning.
…
“Disability” is short for the term “the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability” used in the law against discrimination, and means the full term.
…
WAC 162-26-040 (emphasis added) (hyperlinks added).
LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with Law Office of Gregory A. Williams, P.S., Inc.; Williams Law Group, PS; or the author of this article. Please see our DISCLAIMER.
–gw
