XII. References

Per its authorizing statute Chapter 43.06D RCW, the Office of Equity will help lead the development of a stand-alone Statewide Universal Access & Belonging Plan. The plan will support enterprise-wide investments in the following initial focus areas:

  • Language access & belonging
  • Disability access, accessibility & belonging
  • Digital communications as it relates to language and disability access, accessibility & belonging
  • Age discrimination (over 40) in employment
  • Plain talk

The Plan will identify policies, procedures, and practices, and required legislation, including but not limited to:

  • A sustainable statewide testing and certification system for spoken and sign language interpreters, and translators that all Washington state offices, agencies, departments, and commissions can use;
  • Strategies for centering community voice and creating barrier-free access to and delivery of government 
    services; and
  • Guidance and technical assistance for Washington state offices, agencies, departments, and commissions to provide language, accessibility, and communication services.

In 2015, King County, Washington, identified 14 Determinants of Equity, the social conditions that each of us need to thrive, by which future progress toward becoming a fair and just community could be measured. Because these 14 social conditions are the same conditions that “everyone in Washington needs to flourish and achieve their full potential,” the Office of Equity will adapt and focus on the same 14 social conditions, and identify key performance indicators to measure the state’s progress toward becoming an equitable and just state.

In 2020, the Office of Equity added Digital Equity as a 15th PEAR Determinant of Equity. For purposes of the PEAR Plan & Playbook, digital equity includes, but is not limited to:

  • Websites, applications, and other online content accessibility;
  • Accessible digital documents and communications;
  • Equitable access to:
    • Affordable, robust, reliable wi-fi/internet/broadband services and devices that meet the needs of the user;
    • Quality technical support;
    • Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and
    • Digital literacy training.
  • Pro-equity in emerging digital technologies, such as facial recognition and 
    artificial intelligence.

Tribal governments are sovereign nations with authority to govern their own people, lands, and resources. Tribal governments as sovereign nations have a unique relationship with the state and federal governments that is not based upon race. Federally recognized Tribes have the right and authority to regulate activities on their land independent from state government. However, tribes and the state frequently collaborate and cooperate in areas of mutual interest through consultation and government-to-government protocols as required by Chapter 43.376 RCW. It is of the utmost importance that Tribal sovereign nation status is honored throughout this process.

Tribes share responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and their communities with state and federal governments. Tribal Members, American Indians and Alaska Natives are dual citizens, as members of their Tribe and the State of Washington. Both governments share the responsibility to ensure equity and justice for AI/AN Washingtonians.

What are Values? - Ethics Sage

Equity vs Equality - What’s the Difference? Milken Institute School of Public Health - The George Washington University

Love Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster