ADA and Non-Discrimination Policies
Permitted special events must comply with the City's non-discrimination policy and all applicable City, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The City of Seattle (City) assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, sex, age, disability or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.
Additionally, no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity due to breastfeeding in a public place, gender identity, marital status, political ideology, religion, sexual orientation, or military status or veteran status, as provided by SMC 14.04, 14.06 ad 14.10.
The City further assures every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not.
Accessibility Requirements at Your Event
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the City of Seattle and public accommodations to provide equitable access for people with disabilities. Event organizers are expected to make every effort to follow ADA guidelines and provide and maintain access for people with disabilities.
This may include:
- Providing a clear path of travel to and on sidewalks, curb cuts and restrooms
- Ensuring parking access
- Maintain already-designated parking for people with disabilities
- Providing additional parking for people with disabilities if parking is provided
- All parking plans must include a designated parking area for people with current State Handicapped Parking Permits
- Providing accessible restrooms
- Whenever portable restrooms are required for a special event, at least one must be accessible for people with disabilities; in case of large crowds, additional handicapped accessible restrooms are desirable.
All parades need to designate an area for people with disabilities to view the parade. This special area must be provided without a fee in an area where viewing is also free for non-disabled people and must be staffed with monitors to ensure visibility. In the event an area such as a special grandstand is set aside for paid viewing, this area must also include accessible seating for wheelchair users who wish to buy tickets.
Other Considerations
Depending on the type of event, attention must also be given to the needs of people with other types of disabilities, such as a sign language interpreter and designated viewing area available for people to view the interpreter.