Washington State Rights
18 entries — federal rights that apply to WA residents are included.
- Federal
ADA Laws & Rules for Accessibility and Anti-Discrimination
The ADA is a federal law that stops discrimination against people with disabilities in public life, jobs, and services. It includes rules for making buildings accessible and requires governments and businesses to follow anti-discrimination rules. You can find guides and updates about the law on ADA.gov.
- Federal
ADA Reasonable Accommodations at Work
If you have a disability — ADHD, autism, or anxiety counts — your employer must make fair changes so you can do your job. You can ask for things like flexible hours or a quiet space. You do not have to share your full diagnosis, and your employer must work with you to find a fix that works.
- Washington State
Apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave in WA
You can apply for Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave within 30 days of a qualifying event. This includes illness, pregnancy, bonding with a new child, or caring for a military family member. You may backdate your claim if you miss the deadline due to a serious health issue or disaster.
- Washington State
DDA Offers Services in Multiple Languages
Washington’s DDA provides services and information in multiple languages to help neurodiverse adults and others with developmental disabilities understand their rights and access support. Print copies are available in English, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Federal
EEOC: How to Recognize Secure Federal Websites
The EEOC website is a secure .gov site. Look for HTTPS or a locked padlock to know it is safe. Share sensitive information only on secure websites.
- Washington State
Family Care Act: Paid Leave for Family Health Needs in WA
The Washington Family Care Act (FCA) lets workers use their earned paid leave (like vacation or sick time) to care for a family member with a serious health condition. It does not cover leave for your own health issues. You must follow your employer’s policies but can choose the type of paid leave to use.
- Federal
FMLA Leave for Washington Workers: Family and Medical Reasons
Eligible Washington workers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave in a year for family or medical needs. Military caregivers may get 26 weeks. You must use leave for qualifying reasons like your own serious health condition, a family member’s care, or a child’s birth.
- Washington State
Mental Health and Workplace Support in Washington State
Washington State employers can support workers with mental health needs through flexible work, breaks, and counseling programs. Mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 adults. Employers may offer accommodations like remote work or adjusted schedules to help employees thrive.
- Washington State
WA DVR Assists Neurodiverse Adults in Finding Jobs
The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities get and keep jobs. They offer training, tools, and support to overcome barriers to employment. You can contact them by phone, email, or mail for more details.
- Washington State
WA DVR Services and Waiting List Info for 2025
Washington’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find jobs and get support. As of December 8, 2025, all service categories are closed, and eligible individuals are placed on a waiting list. Priority goes to people with the most significant disabilities.
- Washington State
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave
Washington’s Paid Family & Medical Leave lets workers take up to 12 weeks of paid time off for health issues, family care, or bonding with a new child. You earn leave by paying into the program through payroll deductions. Apply through the Employment Security Department if you need time off for a serious health condition, caregiving, or other qualifying reasons.
- Washington State
Washington State Anti-Discrimination Laws for Workers and the Public
Washington State laws protect people from discrimination based on disability, including neurodiverse conditions. You can report unfair treatment by employers, unions, or public spaces to the Human Rights Commission. They handle complaints about health conditions, retaliation, or access issues like service animals or refueling help.
- Washington State
Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave
Washington State offers paid leave for serious health issues, family care, or bonding with a new child. You must work 820 hours in a 12-month period to qualify. You can take up to 12 weeks of leave per year, and get up to 90% of your weekly pay.
- Washington State
Washington State Paid Sick Leave for Workers
Washington State workers earn at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. You can use it for your health, a family member’s care, or if your workplace or school closes due to a public health emergency. You can start using it 90 days after your first day of work.
- Washington State
Washington State Supported Employment Services
Washington State offers Supported Employment Services to help neurodiverse adults find and keep jobs. The program provides help with job planning, training, and benefits planning. Contact your case manager or call 1-844-427-8256 for details.
- Washington State
Washington State Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Employment Support
Washington’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. DVR offers support and resources to overcome barriers to employment. You can contact them by phone, email, or mail to learn about services.
- Washington State
Workplace Discrimination & Retaliation Protections in Washington
Washington State law protects workers from retaliation if they report safety issues, wage problems, or use paid sick leave. However, L&I does not handle complaints about race, age, or gender discrimination. Workers who use cannabis lawfully may also have some protections, but L&I can’t enforce these.
- Washington State
WSHRC: Fighting Discrimination in Washington State
The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) stops discrimination in work, housing, and public places. You can file a complaint if you face unfair treatment based on disability, race, gender, or other protected traits. They investigate and help fix discrimination issues.