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City of Bellevue, WA City Manager's Office
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Celebrating the ADA in Bellevue

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    Disability and Diversity

    • Bellevue Celebrates ADA
    Header Image
    multi-colored blotches
    Logo for ADA 33rd anniversary

    On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act set a clear and comprehensive national mandate to ensure equity and access to employment, public accommodation, transportation and more for individuals with disabilities. 

    At the City of Bellevue, we see our diversity as our strength and recognize the importance of the disability community in innovation and entrepreneurship, economic impact of consumer spending, and in the unique skills and diverse perspectives those living with disabilities offer the workforce.  

    As a way to celebrate more than 30 years of progress in access & inclusion through the ADA, below are key ways (among many others) each department at the City of Bellevue recognizes and supports the disability community in our services and actions, both in line with as well as above and beyond the mandate of the ADA.

    City Manager's Office

    The City Manager’s Office at the City of Bellevue is a leadership center for the city, where managers implement policies and oversee all city operations in line with Bellevue’s vision and priorities. 

    A key part of the city vision is to provide inclusive and accessible services to all who live, work and play in Bellevue. The City Manager’s Office also oversees the Diversity Advantage Initiative team, which includes an ADA & Title VI Administrator.

    The City Manager’s Office mission is to connect the organization with the City Council and Bellevue's diverse community. We lead the delivery of exceptional public service, with a commitment to equity, inclusion and core values.

    ADA Administrator Blayne Amson at work

    From Compliance to Equity and Back Again

    Did You Know? The city of Bellevue is committed to moving the conversation of disability beyond complying with ADA requirements to a focus on equity for all. The position of ADA Coordinator is folded into the Diversity Advantage Team.

    More details
    close-captioning-image

    Captioning for All

    Did You Know? The City of Bellevue provides closed captioning options on all content aired on Bellevue Television (BTV) Channel 21 and online, offering access to spoken or audio content for those who are Deaf, hard of hearing or watching the content in a loud space or area where volume can’t be used.

    More details
    power wheelchair charging station

    Keep it Powered

    Did You Know? There are free power wheelchair charging stations in Bellevue at six locations: City Hall, Crossroads Community Center, Highland Community Center, North and South Bellevue Community Centers and the Northwest Arts Center. The stations were installed through a multi-department partnership.

    More details
    Read more from the City Manager's Office in the attached PDF

    City Attorney's Office

    Our mission is to protect lives and property and to preserve and enhance the quality of life of the public by delivering effective and high-quality advice, litigation, prosecution, and risk management services that further the City's policies and programs.

    inside of the courthouse, seating are and windows

    Prosecutors Promote Access

    Did You Know? Prosecutors work with defense attorneys to refer defendants with mental health diagnoses to King County Mental Health Court. Defendants meet with King County social workers to determine if mental health court is the best option.

    More details
    A woman talking to a man using sign language

    Language Access is Critical

    Did You Know? If and when they are needed, the Prosecutor’s division will provide ASL interpreters for witnesses or victims.

    More details
    a woman and two smiling men holding certificates of appreciation

    Disability is Diversity

    Did You Know? The Bellevue City Attorney’s Office has a Diversity Committee, a Diversity Liaison and members of the Disability Allyship Resource Team who work to highlight discussions and events related to disability.

    More details
    Read more from the City Attorney's Office in the attached PDF

    City Clerk’s Office

    Our mission is to facilitate accessible, open and transparent government through communication, information sharing and participation by citizens in municipal government, while providing a necessary link between the legislative and administrative functions of the city.

    Hearing loop symbol

    Hearing Assistance

    Did You Know? Council Chambers inside City Hall is fitted with a Hearing Loop device which is also known as an audio induction loop. This special system transmits an audio signal directly into a hearing aid via a magnetic field. The technology greatly reduces background noise, competing sounds, reverberation and other acoustic distortions that reduce clarity so everyone attending events held inside the Council Chambers can enjoy the events without struggling to hear against other competing noises.

    More details
    A portion of the electronic sign-in form

    Tech Provides Access

    Did You Know? In late 2019, the City Clerk’s Office piloted the use of an electronic registration form to be used to sign up for Oral Communications and/or Public Hearing to give comments during our City Council meetings. This eliminates the need to use the traditional pen and paper to register and allows for more accessibility to everyone who would like to provide their comment to Council. Council always accepts written comments submitted to the Council email as well.

    More details
    A man using a microphone on a podium

    Microphones for All

    Did You Know? Although the Council Chambers has a podium with a static microphone, a separate, hands-free microphone was added on a lower table to allow better access for anyone participating in public comment, particularly those who use wheelchairs. With help from our facilities team, the Council meetings held in City Hall within Council Chambers will always have this additional microphone available for use during the meeting.

    More details
    Read more from the City Clerk's Office in the attached PDF

    Community Development

    Our mission is to secure Bellevue’s future as a livable, inspiring, vibrant and equitable community by working collaboratively to create excellent physical spaces, build a robust creative economy, and empower our vibrant, diverse neighborhoods.

    A group of people in the Downtown park

    Tree Tours Add Access

    Did You Know? A portable sound system is used for the Bellevue tree tours so everyone can hear the presentation. This allows those with hearing loss the ability to participate without barriers.

    More details
    Speaker on a podium with CART backdrop behind on the wall

    All Communities are Welcome

    Did You Know? Community Development provides accommodations such as Communications Access Real-time Translation (CART) technology for the Deaf and hard of hearing and large print documents at community meetings for those with low vision.

    More details
    A group of women in a room using large format printouts, speaker with a microphone

    Numbers Matter

    Did You Know? Community Development provides demographic reports for all departments to help staff across the city plan for and tailor their programs and services to be more inclusive for people with disabilities.

    More details
    Read more from the Community Development in the attached PDF

    Development Services

    Our mission is to protect the quality of public and private infrastructure, the safety and integrity of the built and natural environment, and the livability of the city while facilitating appropriate and timely development.

    A small area of Development Services website

    Formatting Goes Online

    Did You Know? More than 90% of all Development Services public documents have been transferred from pdf format to ADA-compliant html format, available online and easily translatable using online translator tools and readable for screen reader devices used by those with low vision or who are blind.

    More details
    Two computers with plans on their screens

    Digital Advancements Increase Access

    Did You Know? Best practices for accessibility have been used in developing workshops and videos for transitioning to 100% paperless permitting, including closed captioning.

    More details
    Permit center with desks and tables spaced out

    Universal Design at City Hall

    Did You Know? The City of Bellevue embraces the principles of universal design when planning Permit Center alterations, including making sure desk height is at least 27 inches from the ground.

    More details
    Read more from the Development Services in the attached PDF

    Finance & Asset Management

    Our mission is to work together to build a better, stronger future through management of the city's finances and various physical assets, ensuring effective use of Bellevue's financial and physical resources.

    Meeting room with desks in a square shape and chairs with easy access

    Let’s Meet up

    Did You Know? The standard conference room table height at city facilities has been adjusted to be more accessible to all people, including those who use wheelchairs. Table height and knee space clearances have been adjusted in all public conference rooms.

    More details
    A mask with a clear window for mouth to see speech

    Communication During COVID

    Did You Know? The Service First team is outfitted with accessible masks that accommodate Deaf/hard of hearing guests at City Hall through a see-through window in the mask. For those that rely on lip reading and facial expression in conversation, opaque masks make it virtually impossible to communicate.

    More details
    Electronic door opener at Bellevue City Hall

    More than Just Finance

    Did You Know? Bellevue’s Finance & Asset Management (FAM) department works hard to ensure City Hall and many other spaces are fully accessible to both staff and community who visit our spaces. From accessible lockers to counter heights, FAM is involved!

    More details
    Read more from the Finance & Asset Management in the attached PDF

    Fire

    Our mission is to assist the public in the protection of life and property by minimizing the impact of fire, medical emergencies, and potential disasters or uncontrolled events.

    Our Office of Emergency Management works to empower city employees, the public and regional stakeholders to prepare for, mitigate, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters. 

    Look, cover, hold graphic

    Stay Safe: Shelter in Place

    Did You Know? Sheltering in place can keep you safe! Bellevue Fire partnered with the Office of Emergency Management and the City Manager’s Office to create materials for those who may not be able to exit a building in a fire because elevators don’t function and a graphic for staying safe in an earthquake for those with accessibility challenges.

    More details
    A person in a wheel chair and CERT gear in a fire drill

    Partnerships Increase Access

    Did You Know? Bellevue partnered with the City of Redmond to develop modifications to the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) curriculum to ensure all volunteers are able to participate regardless of ability.

    More details
    Three fire fighters in a gear removing a hose from a fire truck

    Firefighters in the Know

    Did You Know? All Bellevue Firefighters are trained according to the Travis Alert Act standards, which requires all firefighters to be familiar with and understand how to respond to emergencies that involve those with disabilities, so they can best provide for their needs.

    More details
    Read more from the Fire in the attached PDF

    Human Resources

    Our mission as a strategic partner is to provide outstanding customer service and stewardship of resources in attracting and retaining a high-performance, diverse, workforce in support of the changing needs of the organization.

    A group of seven, including Gov. Jay Inslee

    Leadership in Employment

    Did You Know? A Supported Employment Program was implemented in 2016 to create valuable job opportunities to individuals living with disabilities. The city received the Governor’s Award in 2018 for the program and in 2019 adopted the supported employment classification into a 2019-2022 collective bargaining agreement.

    Two black woman sitting at a table and reaching to shake hands

    Disability Equity in Employment

    Did You Know? A Hiring for Equity Manual was developed in 2016 in Bellevue to incorporate hiring processes that are inclusive and accessible. The city provides reasonable accommodation to applicants throughout the hiring process including application, testing, and interview.

    More details
    DART team logo

    Disability Allyship for Employees

    Did You Know? Bellevue has a Disability Allyship Resource Team (DART) comprised of staff from several city departments and created through a partnership between HR and the City Manager’s Office. The mission of DART is to serve as a resource and partner to other departments on topics related to disabilities. The group also brings educational awareness to city staff on disability topics.

    More details
    Read more from the Human Resources in the attached PDF

    Information Technology

    Our mission is to deliver diverse digital services to Bellevue residents and internal departments in support of the city’s vision to provide inclusive and accessible services to all who live, work and play in Bellevue. 

    For the past four years, the city has placed in the top five of the Digital Cities Survey, highlighting our collaborative smart cities efforts, digital communications, increased accessibility efforts and effective regional partnerships. 

    Flared out book of Pantone colors

    Find your way, Bellevue

    Did You Know? The city uses specialized web tools to select accessible color schemes and the most readable color combinations. These tools are used for several maps including Levy maps to ensure visual accessibility.

    More details
    A small portion of the GIS map portal page

    Accessibility on the Web

    Did You Know? The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resource pages on the city’s public website comply with the latest ADA standards for accessibility, including tool tips on thumbnails, removing iframes in web content, and the city has even gone above and beyond the federal compliance requirements by adding easy-to-read ‘Cards’ for downloadable maps and interactive web map previews.

    More details
    Universal Design booklet cover

    Universal Design is All the Rage

    Did You Know? The city’s Digital Government team partnered with the Diversity Team to create a Universal Design Guide which provides staff with step-by-step instructions on how to create spaces and materials that are accessible to all people. This helps to ensure all bodies and minds feel seen and welcomed into our physical and virtual spaces.

    More details
    Read more from the Information Technology in the attached PDF

    Parks & Community Services

    Our mission is to build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services.

    Choices for People with Disabilities plan cover

    Recreation for All

    Did You Know? Recreation staff are trained on the inclusion model. The City of Bellevue welcomes the opportunity to provide modifications for people with disabilities so that full participation in leisure and recreation programs may be enjoyed by all. The inclusion model looks at recreational needs and interests instead of diagnostic labels or disabilities.

    More details
    A smiling young woman in a freedom wheelchair

    Challenge Course Access Upgrades

    Did You Know? The Bellevue Challenge Course has been focusing on making the trails, elements and equipment more accessible, especially for those who use wheelchairs. King County has given the City of Bellevue a grant to purchase a Grit Freedom active wheelchair and improve accessibility to three of the low challenge course elements.

    More details
    Accessible merry-go-round

    Accessibility at Play

    Did You Know? Bellevue’s Parks department collaborates with playground manufacturers to supply the most inclusive and adaptive play equipment for all its playgrounds during the equipment replacement process. It is a priority that new equipment will be fully accessible and to ensure we are providing the latest, most accessible features above and beyond ADA compliance. The city also has a state-of-the-art inclusive and adaptive playground at Downtown Park called Inspiration Playground.

    More details
    Read more from the Parks & Community Services in the attached PDF

    Police

    Our mission is to provide a safe place to live, work and visit through quality law enforcement practices delivered by dedicated professionals. 

    We focus our efforts on reducing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and enhancing the quality of life for all who call Bellevue home by delivering the highest standard of police services to the public through partnering with the community, embracing diversity, building trust and embodying transparency.

    A group of people in a class, including the Police chief talking

    Police Training Promotes Inclusion

    Did you know? Every year Bellevue Police officers undergo required crisis intervention training online, focusing on de-escalation and assisting individuals in crisis. Topics regularly include issues related to mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

    More details
    Four kids and two police in a van door

    Resources Officers in the Know

    Did you know? Bellevue Police School Resource Officers attend an annual conference for 40 hours, which focuses on safety and discussions of diversity considerations and celebrations within schools. Additional focus areas include working with students with various disabilities, mental illness diagnoses and students in crisis.

    More details
    Bellevue CARES logo

    Police Partners for Access

    Did you know? Bellevue Police officers work in partnership with Bellevue C.A.R.E.S. and the King County Mobile Crisis Team on a daily basis. When officers come in contact with people who are in crisis or could benefit from one of these programs, they will make a referral.

    More details
    Read more from the Police in the attached PDF

    Transportation

    Our mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that supports livable neighborhoods and a vital economy in partnership with our diverse community.

    Street with an accessible pedestrian signal

    Accessible Signaling Spreads

    Did you know? The Transportation Department has installed accessible pedestrian signals at over 80% of Bellevue’s traffic signals and is on track to have them installed at all signals by 2022.

    A road crew worker creating an accessible sidewalk

    You Ask We Answer

    Did You Know? The Transportation Department has an annual funding program to address accessibility concerns from the public. You can click "more details" below to submit comments about accessibility using the MyBellevue app.

    More details
    Residents and City employees at a review table

    Transportation is Here for You!

    Did You Know? Transportation staff are available to review routes with anybody who has accessibility concerns. You can submit comments about accessibility on the MyBellevue app or by clicking "more details" below.

    More details
    Read more from the Transportation in the attached PDF

    Utilities

    Our mission is to deliver high quality, reliable drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water, and solid waste services in a manner that is environmentally responsible and cost-competitive.

    A small area of a mailer with Title VI icons

    Utilities Promotes Access

    Did You Know? Bellevue Utilities uses accessibility standards to ensure public meetings are accessible to all – including providing wheelchair-accessible aisles, microphones and printed materials in large print versions. Public outreach methods for Utilities projects typically involve both in-person and online options, so residents who cannot physically participate in meetings have channels to provide input.

    More details
    Two man and a backhoe replacing sewer

    From Outdated to Updated

    Did You Know? Utilities delivers exceptional customer service during construction by having inspectors routinely work with residents with disabilities to ensure that construction impacts are minimized for them. This might include making sure they have vehicle access to get to doctor appointments, scheduling and minimizing impacts associated with water main shutdowns and assisting with garbage pick-up.

    More details
    A young woman in a wheelchair washing hands at a sink

    What a Relief!

    Did You Know? The Utility Rate Relief Program provides a 70% discount or rebate on city utility service charges for low-income persons with permanent disabilities. This assistance reduces living expenses thereby allowing persons with disabilities to stay in their homes.

    More details
    Read more from the Utilities in the attached PDF

    Learn More

    Follow the City of Bellevue on Facebook @bellevuewashington and Twitter @Bellevuewa to learn more about what departments are doing for you and the disability rights movement as a whole. New highlights featured weekly all through the month of July to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA!

    Reasonable Accommodation

    For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modification requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-6800 (voice) or email servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at ADATitleVI@bellevuewa.gov.

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