EXECUTIVE ORDER  83-19

Participation by Disabled Citizens

WHEREAS, the active participation by disabled people in employment, housing, education, transportation and other opportunities of community life is important for the economic and social well-being of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, architectural, mobility, communication, and other barriers interfere with the ability of people with disabilities to find and hold jobs, to move freely, and to actively participate in activities of daily living; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this state to support a goal of maximum independence for its elderly and disabled citizens and to therefore encourage as barrier-free and accessible an environment as possible, consistent with existing state and federal legislation; and

WHEREAS, the activities and functions of state government should be open to all citizens of the state, regardless of disability or other circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the policy set forth herein was previously adopted and announced but is of such significance as to require reiteration and renewed commitment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the State of Washington, by virtue of the power vested in me do hereby solemnly declare for all Washington State agencies, the following policy:

All meetings, hearings, and conferences held by state employees shall be held, to the greatest extent feasible, in hotels, motels, restaurants, state facilities, and other locations that are free of mobility barriers, and interpreters for deaf individuals and brailled or taped information for blind individuals shall be provided by the sponsor of the meeting, hearing, or conference upon request when adequate notice is given.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the seal of the State of
Washington to be affixed at Olympia this
19th day of December A.D., Nineteen hundred and eighty-three.

John Spellman
Governor of Washington

BY THE GOVERNOR:



Secretary of State

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