Accessibility for participating
Learn how our services help remove language barriers and make the legislative process more accessible.
TTY assistance
Any legislative number can be reached via the state Telephone Relay Service at 800-833-6384 (voice) or 800-833-6388 (TTY).
Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices are available by request and may be used at any seat in the committee rooms, some conference rooms, and public galleries in the House and Senate chambers. Headsets with induction neck-loops are available for people using hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T" switch (telecoil). Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a "T" switch and how to use it with an assistive listening headset. Ask Senate or House Security staff to request headsets and neck-loops.
Language access via WaveCast App (in-person only)
If you plan to attend a committee meeting in person and would like to listen to simultaneous spoken language interpretation, you can request live interpretation and then listen using the WaveCast app in the meeting. This mobile app lets you hear live interpretation of the meeting in your requested language on your phone or a loaner device provided onsite. Requests for interpretation must be made at least two business days before the start of the meeting so we can schedule interpreters. The system will not be operational without scheduled interpreters.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and readers
If you require an ASL interpreter or reader, please contact the appropriate ADA Coordinator for the House or Senate at least two business days in advance. The more advance notice you can provide, the higher the likelihood your request can be fulfilled. Interpretation services are available only when a meeting with legislators has been scheduled and confirmed. We want to ensure we can meet your needs, so please schedule your appointments with legislators in advance and submit your requests as early as possible. We're committed to doing our best to accommodate everyone.
Spoken language interpretation
Spoken language interpretation services are available upon request. Please contact the appropriate ADA Coordinator for the House or Senate at least two business days in advance. The more advance notice you can provide, the higher the likelihood your request can be fulfilled. Interpretation services are available only when a meeting with legislators has been scheduled and confirmed. We want to ensure we can meet your needs, so please schedule your appointments with legislators in advance and submit your requests as early as possible. We're committed to doing our best to accommodate everyone.
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)
CART is a service that turns spoken words into written text as they are being said. This helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along by reading the text on a screen. CART can be used during meetings, events, or public hearings, allowing you to follow along by reading the live transcription on a screen, computer, or mobile device. You can request this service if you or someone you know needs help understanding spoken information in real time. Please provide at least two business days notice to the appropriate ADA coordinator for the House or Senate to ensure availability.
Documents in alternate formats
Legislative documents can be provided in alternate formats, including large print, Braille, or audio tape. Please contact the appropriate ADA Coordinator for the House or Senate with as much advance notice as possible to accommodate your request.
Picture in picture ASL interpretation
The Washington Legislature, in collaboration with TVW, is pleased to announce the continuation of its pilot project to provide picture-in-picture American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for select House of Representatives and Senate committee meetings during the 2026 legislative session.
This initiative, which began in 2024, continues to enhance access to the legislative process for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. Selected committee meetings will continue to be broadcast via TVW with ASL interpretation in a picture-in-picture format.
New for 2026: In an effort to improve accessibility for individuals attending Senate committee meetings in-person, meetings scheduled for picture-in-picture interpretation will also have a dedicated in-room screen displaying the ASL interpreter, in addition to the picture-in-picture view available through TVW's broadcast.
Please note:
- Picture-in-picture ASL interpretation is different from ASL interpretation requests for individuals attending meetings in person. Requests for on-site interpretation should be submitted at least two business days in advance by completing our online request form and coordinating with the ADA Coordinators in the House or Senate.
- Requests for picture-in-picture ASL interpretation for specific committee meetings or all meetings are not accepted at this time.
- The preliminary schedule for committee meetings featuring picture-in-picture ASL interpretation for the upcoming week will be posted each Friday to the Committee Schedules page. This schedule is subject to change.
The Legislature remains committed to improving access and will evaluate the success of this pilot as it progresses through the 2026 session. For more information or to provide feedback, please email us at ASLPIP@leg.wa.gov.
Request an accommodation to participate
These services are designed to break down language barriers and make the legislative process more accessible for all members of the public. To request these services, please complete our online request form.
When interpreter services are available
Interpreter services are available for meetings with Senators or Representatives, committee meetings, and town hall meetings.
Important requirements for meeting with legislators
For meetings with individual legislators, interpreter services can be scheduled only after an appointment is confirmed with the Senator's or Representative’s office. This applies to all meetings, including those arranged as part of advocacy or lobby days. Please ensure your meeting is confirmed before submitting a request for interpreter services.
Committee meetings and town halls
Requests for accommodations for committee meetings and town halls do not require a confirmation from a legislator’s office.
When to submit your request
We encourage you to submit requests as soon as your meeting is confirmed or when you receive notice of the committee hearing or town hall. Local interpreters, if available, may take up to two weeks or longer to secure. If an in-person interpreter is not available, a qualified remote interpreter may be provided.
Disability accommodations
If you need an accommodation for a disability, please use this same form to request an accommodation.
Contact an accessibility coordinator
The Senate, the House of Representatives, and Legislative Support Services (LSS) have appointed ADA Coordinators to coordinate the implementation of the ADA and to provide assistance if questions or concerns arise. These coordinators only support access and communication to legislative activities and facilities. The ADA Coordinators are:
Kyle Overmiller, House ADA Coordinator
Technology & Facilities Director
ROOM
336C Legislative Building
PHONE
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Bao Xiong, Senate ADA Coordinator
Systems Analyst
ROOM
Irv Newhouse Building, Room 221A
PHONE
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 40482
Olympia, WA 98504-0482
Kacey Rowe, Legislative Support Services (LSS) ADA Coordinator
HR Business Partner
PHONE
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 40500
Olympia, WA 98504-0500