ADA Transition Plan

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that state and local governments ensure that their programs, activities, and services are available to people living with disabilities. This includes developing an ADA Transition Plan.

 ADA engagement survey

We’re conducting community outreach including an online survey to better understand accessibility on Capitol Campus.

Please take five minutes and share your experience!

Take ADA engagement survey

About the ADA Transition Plan

An ADA Transition Plan is a roadmap to guide a public agency to fully meet the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines. The purpose of an ADA Transition Plan is to transition a public agency into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines. It is a living document that we will continue to update. 

Learn more about our ADA Study and Transition Plan by checking out our DES ADA Transition Plan Storymap. 

Community outreach 

We want to understand the public’s lived experience when accessing Capitol Campus. 

Starting in June 2025, we are conducting an online survey and public workshops, both in-person and virtual (online). 

We will use the feedback to help us build a strong ADA Transition Plan.

Share your feedback

You can give us your feedback by completing our online survey or joining a workshop. 

Virtual (online) workshop: 

We'll host a virtual workshop in mid-August (meeting details coming soon).

In the workshop, we’ll discuss: 

  • DES ADA Transition Plan and Self-Assessment
  • Physical barriers and your lived experience 

If you need an ASL interpreter, translator, or other accommodations for the workshop, please email Roby Poché at roby.poche@des.wa.gov as soon as possible. We will help make sure the event is accessible for you, at no cost to the participants.

Project background

Our ADA study

In 2023, we conducted a Facility Condition Assessment of DES managed buildings on Capitol Campus. This included building conditions, seismic structure, and ADA code compliance.

In 2024, we conducted a Self-Assessment focused on the Capitol Campus grounds. This included accessible parking, routes to public buildings, building entrances, and signage. 

What's next

Project and fieldwork were informative, but DES knows that understanding people’s lived experience tells a compelling story. We’re asking for community feedback which will help inform our ADA Transition Plan to resolve barriers and thoughtfully improve accessibility on Capitol Campus.

In fall 2025, DES will draft an ADA Transition Plan and ask for public comments.

More Information

Capitol Campus areas we are reviewing

For the purposes of this study, we are examining physical barriers on Capitol Campus and DES owned and operated grounds. This includes: 

  • East Capitol Campus: the Natural Resources Building, Plaza Garage, Highway Licenses Building, Capitol Court, State Archives Building, Capitol Childcare Center, Employment Security Building, Transportation Building, and 1500 Jefferson Building. 

  • West Capitol Campus: the Legislative Building, Sunken Garden, Temple of Justice, Governor’s Mansion, Legislative Modular Building, John L. O’Brien Building, John A. Cherberg Building, Insurance Building, Pritchard Building, Helen Sommers Building, and Irving R. Newhouse Building. 

  • North Capitol Campus buildings and grounds: the Old Capitol Building, Columbia Garage, Washington Street Building, Union Building, Centennial Park, State Farm, and Pro Arts Building. 

  • Parks near Capitol Campus: Heritage Park and trails, Capitol Lake, Marathon Park, Capitol Gateway Park, and Sylvester Park. 

Types of physical barriers

Physical barriers are physical obstacles that limit access for people with disabilities. Some of these barriers include: 

  • Accessible routes — Pedestrian routes should be free from hazards. Hazards include slippery pathways, broken pavement, and lack of proper signage (including faded paint for walkways, appropriate markings for pedestrian routes, etc.). 

  • Building entrances — Doors and slopes must meet ADA measurement requirements. Some issues at building entrances that may not meet ADA requirements include insufficient accessible hardware, spacing, slope of landings, and signage.  

  • Ramps — Ramps must meet ADA slope requirements and provide accessible routes from parking stalls to buildings, sidewalks to buildings, and throughout public buildings. 

  • Parking stalls — Parking stalls must meet signage, width, access aisles, and slope requirements. Van accessible stalls must also meet height requirements.  

  • Signage — Signage must be clear and meet height requirements. Signs should lead visitors to accessible entrances on campus and mark accessible parking stalls. 

Contact us

Roby Poché

Facilities Senior Planner

Email roby.poche@des.wa.gov