The United States Department of Justice (Department) initiated this matter as a compliance review of Cheshire County, New Hampshire (County) under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, and the Department’s implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35. Because the County receives financial assistance from the Department of Justice, the review was also conducted under the authority of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and the Department’s implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G.
The review was conducted by the Disability Rights Section of the Department’s Civil Rights Division and focused on the County’s compliance with the following title II requirements:
- to conduct a self-evaluation of its services, policies, and practices by July 26, 1992, and make modifications necessary to comply with the Department’s title II regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.105;
- to notify applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons of their rights and the County’s obligations under title II and the Department’s regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.106;
- to designate a responsible employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out the County’s ADA responsibilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(a);
- to establish a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of violations of title II, 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(b);
- to operate each program, service, or activity so that, when viewed in its entirety, it is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.150, by:
- delivery of services, programs, or activities in alternate ways, including, for example, redesign of equipment, reassignment of services, assignment of aides, home visits, or other methods of compliance or, if these methods are not effective in making the programs accessible,
- physical changes to buildings (required to have been made by January 26, 1995), in accordance with the Department’s title II regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.151, and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards), 28 C.F.R. pt. 36, App. A, or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), 41 C.F.R. § 101-19.6, App. A.
- to ensure that facilities for which construction or alteration was begun after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, in accordance with 1) the Department’s title II regulation and 2) the Standards or UFAS, 28 C.F.R. § 35.151;
- to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others, including furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary, 28 C.F.R. § 35.160;
- to provide direct access via TTY (text telephone) or computer-to-telephone emergency services, including 9-1-1 services, for persons who use TTY’s and computer modems, 28 C.F.R. § 35.162;
- to provide information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the County’s accessible services, activities, and facilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(a); and
- to provide signage at all inaccessible entrances to each of its facilities, directing users to an accessible entrance or to information about accessible facilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b).
As part of its compliance review, the Department reviewed the following facility, which – because construction or alterations commenced after January 26, 1992 – must comply with the ADA’s new construction or alterations requirements: the Maplewood Assisted Living.
The Department’s program access review covered those of the County’s programs, services, and activities that operate in the following facilities: County Administrative Building, County Courthouse, Maplewood Nursing Home, Barn, and the Correctional Facility.
The Department reviewed the County’s policies and procedures regarding notification of ADA policies, grievance procedures, effective communication, 9-1-1 procedures, employment, emergency management and disaster prevention, sidewalk maintenance, web-based services and programs to evaluate whether persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to utilize these programs.
Finally, the Department reviewed the Cheshire County’s Sheriff’s Department’s policies and procedures regarding providing effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
JURISDICTION
1. The ADA applies to the County because it is a “public entity” as defined by title II. 42 U.S.C. § 12131(1).
2. The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 35, Subpart F, to determine the compliance of the County with title II of the ADA and the Department's title II implementing regulation, to issue findings, and, where appropriate, to negotiate and secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized, under 42 U.S.C. § 12133, to bring a civil action enforcing title II of the ADA should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to Subpart F.
3. The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G, to determine the County’s compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to issue findings, and, where appropriate, to negotiate and secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized, under 29 U.S.C. § 794 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 42.530 and 42.108-110, to suspend or terminate financial assistance to the County provided by the Department of Justice should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to Subpart G or to bring a civil suit to enforce the rights of the United States under applicable federal, state, or local law.
4. The parties to this Agreement are the United States of America and Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
5. In order to avoid the burdens and expenses of an investigation and possible litigation, the parties enter into this Agreement.
6. In consideration of, and consistent with, the terms of this Agreement, the Attorney General agrees to refrain from filing a civil suit in this matter regarding all matters contained within this Agreement, except as provided in the section entitled “Implementation and Enforcement.”
ACTIONS TAKEN BY COUNTY
7. In 1997, the County conducted a self-evaluation and developed a transition plan. In order to ensure that the programs offered at County facilities are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with mobility impairments, the County quickly increased the number of programs, services, and activities accessible to persons with disabilities.
8. The County has plans underway to construct a new detention facility that will comply with the ADA.
REMEDIAL ACTION
NOTIFICATION
9. Within two months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adopt the attached Notice (Attachment A); distribute it to all agency heads; publish the Notice in a local newspaper of general circulation serving the County; post the Notice on its Internet Home Page; and post copies in conspicuous locations in its public buildings. It will refresh the posted copies, and update the contact information contained on the Notice, as necessary, for the life of this Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.
10. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, and on yearly anniversaries of this Agreement until it expires, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures for providing information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the County’s accessible programs, services, and activities.
ADA COORDINATOR
11. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will appoint or hire one or more ADA Coordinator(s). The ADA Coordinator(s) will coordinate the County’s effort to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the ADA, including any investigation of complaint communicated to it alleging its noncompliance with title II or alleging any actions that would be prohibited under title II. The County will make available to all interested individuals the name(s), office address(es), and telephone number(s) of the ADA Coordinator(s).
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
12. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adopt the attached ADA Grievance Procedure (Attachment B), distribute it to all agency heads, and post copies of it in conspicuous locations in each of its public buildings. It will refresh the posted copies, and update the contact information contained on it, as necessary, for the life of the Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.
GENERAL EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION PROVISIONS
13. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will identify sources of qualified sign language and oral interpreters, real-time transcription services, and vendors that can put documents in Braille, and will implement and report to the Department its written procedures, with time frames, for fulfilling requests from the public for sign language or oral interpreters, real-time transcription services, and documents in alternate formats (Braille, large print, cassette tapes, etc.).
14. The County will take steps to ensure that all appropriate employees are trained and practiced in using the New Hampshire Relay Service to make and receive calls.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
15. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adapt for its own use and implement the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Department Policy Statement on Effective Communication with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing [Attachment C] and distribute to all sheriff’s department officers the Guide for Law Enforcement Officers When in Contact with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing [Attachment D].
16. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will contract with one or more local qualified oral/sign language interpreter agencies to ensure that the interpreting services will be available on a priority basis, twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week, to its sheriff’s department or make other appropriate arrangements (such as contracting directly with or hiring qualified interpreters).
17. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will ensure that each Sheriff’s station or substation and each detention facility is equipped with a working TTY to enable persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have speech impairments to make outgoing telephone calls. Where inmate telephone calls are time-limited, the County will adopt policies permitting inmates who use TTY’s a longer period of time to make those calls, due to the slower nature of TTY communications compared with voice communications.
EMPLOYMENT
18. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will amend its employment policies, as necessary, to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission implementing title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, codified at 29 C.F.R. Part 1630. At minimum, those policies will provide that the County:
- will not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.
- will not ask a job applicant about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability. Applicants may be asked about their ability to perform specific job functions. Medical examinations or inquiries may be made, but only after a conditional offer of employment is made and only if required of all applicants for the position.
- will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County’s business. If an applicant or an employee requests a reasonable accommodation and the individual's disability and need for the accommodation are not readily apparent or otherwise known, the County may ask the individual for information necessary to determine if the individual has a disability-related need for the accommodation.
- will maintain any employee’s medical records separate from personnel files and keep them confidential.
- will make an individualized assessment of whether a qualified individual with a disability meets selection criteria for employment decisions. To the extent the County’s selection criteria have the effect of disqualifying an individual because of disability, those criteria will be job-related and consistent with business necessity.
WEB-BASED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
19. Within 1 month of the effective date of this Agreement, and on subsequent anniversaries of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will distribute to all persons – employees and contractors – who design, develop, maintain, or otherwise have responsibility for content and format of its website(s) or third party websites used by the County (Internet Personnel) the technical assistance document, “Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities,” which is Attachment E to this Agreement (it is also available at www.ada.gov/websites2.htm).
20. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, and throughout the life of the Agreement, the County will do the following:
A. Establish, implement, and post online a policy that its web pages will be accessible and create a process for implementation;
B. Ensure that all new and modified web pages and content are accessible;
C. Develop and implement a plan for making existing web content more accessible;
D. Provide a way for online visitors to request accessible information or services by posting a telephone number or e-mail address on its home page; and
E. Periodically (at least annually) enlist persons with disabilities to test its pages for ease of use.
PHYSICAL CHANGES TO FACILITIES
21. The elements or features of the County’s facilities that do not comply with the Standards, including those listed in Attachments F and G, prevent persons with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying the County’s services, programs, or activities and constitute discrimination on the basis of disability within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12132 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.149 and 35.150.
22. The County will comply with the cited provisions of the Standards when taking the actions required by this Agreement.
23. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will install signage as necessary to comply with 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), after having surveyed all facilities that are the subject of this Agreement for the purpose of identifying those that have multiple entrances not all of which are accessible.
24. Newly Constructed Facilities: In order to ensure that the spaces and elements in County facilities for which construction was commenced after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, the County will take the actions listed in Attachment F within six months of the effective date of this Agreement.
25. Program Access in County Existing Facilities: In order to ensure that each of the County’s programs, services, and activities operating at a facility that is the subject of this Agreement, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the County will take the actions listed in Attachment G within two years of the effective date of this Agreement.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
26. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, at yearly anniversaries of the effective date of this Agreement until it expires, the County will submit written reports to the Department summarizing the actions the County has taken pursuant to this Agreement. Reports will include detailed photographs showing measurements, architectural plans, work orders, notices published in the newspaper, copies of adopted policies, and proof of efforts to secure funding/assistance for structural renovations or equipment.
27. Throughout the life of this Agreement, consistent with 28 C.F.R. § 35.133(a), the County will maintain the accessibility of its programs, activities, services, facilities, and equipment, and will take whatever actions are necessary (such as routine testing of accessibility equipment and routine accessibility audits of its programs and facilities) to do so. This provision does not prohibit isolated or temporary interruptions in service or access due to maintenance or repairs. 28 C.F.R. § 35.133(b).
28. Within six months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will develop or procure a two-hour training program on the requirements of the ADA and appropriate ways of serving persons with disabilities. The County will use the ADA technical assistance materials developed by the Department and will consult with interested persons, including individuals with disabilities, in developing or procuring the ADA training program.
29. Within one year of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will deliver its training program to all County employees who have direct contact with members of the public. At the end of that period, the County will submit a copy of its training curriculum and materials to the Department, along with a list of employees trained and the name, title, and address of the trainer.
IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
30. If at any time the County desires to modify any portion of this Agreement because of changed conditions making performance impossible or impractical or for any other reason, it will promptly notify the Department in writing, setting forth the facts and circumstances thought to justify modification and the substance of the proposed modification. Until there is written Agreement by the Department to the proposed modification, the proposed modification will not take effect. These actions must receive the prior written approval of the Department, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
31. The Department may review compliance with this Agreement at any time. If the Department believes that the County has failed to comply in a timely manner with any requirement of this Agreement without obtaining sufficient advance written agreement with the Department for a modification of the relevant terms, the Department will so notify the County in writing and it will attempt to resolve the issue or issues in good faith. If the Department is unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the issue or issues raised within 30 days of the date it provides notice to the County, it may institute a civil action in federal district court to enforce the terms of this Agreement, or it may initiate appropriate steps to enforce title II and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
32. For purposes of the immediately preceding paragraph, it is a violation of this Agreement for the County to fail to comply in a timely manner with any of its requirements without obtaining sufficient advance written agreement with the Department for an extension of the relevant time frame imposed by the Agreement.
33. Failure by the Department to enforce this entire Agreement or any provision thereof with regard to any deadline or any other provision herein will not be construed as a waiver of the Department's right to enforce other deadlines and provisions of this Agreement.
34. This Agreement is a public document. A copy of this document or any information contained in it will be made available to any person by the County or the Department on request.
35. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties on the matters raised herein, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either written or oral, made by either party or agents of either party, that is not contained in this written Agreement (including its Attachments, which are hereby incorporated by reference), will be enforceable. This Agreement does not purport to remedy any other potential violations of the ADA or any other federal law. This Agreement does not affect the County’s continuing responsibility to comply with all aspects of the ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
36. This Agreement will remain in effect for three years.
37. The person signing for the County represents that he or she is authorized to bind the County to this Agreement.
38. The effective date of this Agreement is the date of the last signature below.
| For the County: |
For the United States:
|
By:
John G. Wozmak
County Administrator for Cheshire County, NH
Date: Oct 1, 2004
|
R. ALEXANDER ACOSTA
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
By:
JOHN L. WODATCH, Chief
JEANINE WORDEN, Deputy Chief
MARY LOU MOBLEY, Special Projects Attorney
NAOMI MILTON, Supervisory Attorney
CAROLYN RUSSELL, Investigator
MICHELE ANTONIO MALLOZZI, Architect
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section - NYA
Washington, DC 20530
Date: 12/14/04
|
Attachment A to Settlement Agreement between the United States of America and
Cheshire County, New Hampshire DJ# 204-47-52
NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the County's services, programs, or activities.
Employment: The County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Effective Communication: The County will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in the County's programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.
Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The County will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all County programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in County offices, even where pets are generally prohibited.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a County program, service, or activity, should contact [name and contact info for ADA Coordinator] as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
The ADA does not require the County to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.
Complaints that a County program, service, or activity is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to [Name and contact information for ADA Coordinator].
The County will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy, such as retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs.
(Return to Agreement)
Attachment B to Settlement Agreement between the United States of America and
Cheshire County, New Hampshire DJ# 204-47-52
Cheshire County, New Hampshire
Grievance Procedure under The Americans with Disabilities Act
This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the County. The County's Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.
The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as the name, address, phone number of the complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.
The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:
[Name and address of ADA Coordinator]
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, [name of ADA Coordinator] or [his/her] designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, [name of ADA Coordinator] or [his/her] designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of the County and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.
If the response by [name of ADA Coordinator] or [his/her] designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision of within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the [County Commissioner / other appropriate high-level official] or [his/her] designee.
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the [County Commissioner / other appropriate high-level official] or [his/her] designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the [County Commissioner / other appropriate high-level official] or [his/her] designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.
All written complaints received by [name of ADA Coordinator] or [his/her]designee, appeals to the [County Commissioner / other appropriate high-level official] or [his/her] designee, and responses from these two offices will be retained by the County for at least three years.
(Return to Agreement)
Attachment C to Settlement Agreement between the United States of America and
Cheshire County, New Hampshire DJ# 204-47-52
CHESHIRE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
OVERVIEW
It is the policy of this law enforcement agency (Agency) to ensure that a consistently high level of service is provided to all community members, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This Agency has specific legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. To carry out these policies and legal obligations, the Agency instructs its officers and employees as follows:
- People who identify themselves as deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to a level of service equivalent to that provided hearing persons.
- The Agency will make every effort to ensure that its officers and employees communicate effectively with people who have identified themselves as deaf or hard of hearing.
- Effective communication with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing involved in an incident – whether as a victim, witness, suspect, or arrestee – is essential in ascertaining what actually occurred, the urgency of the matter, and type of situation.
- Various types of communication aids – known as “auxiliary aids and services” – are used to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These include use of gestures or visual aids to supplement oral communication; an exchange of written notes; use of a computer or typewriter; use of assistive listening devices (to amplify sound for persons who are hard of hearing); or use of qualified oral or sign language interpreters.
- The type of aid that will be required for effective communication will depend on the individual’s usual method of communication, and the nature, importance, and duration of the communication at issue.
- In many circumstances, oral communication supplemented by gestures and visual aids, an exchange of written notes, use of a computer or typewriter, or use of an assistive listening device may be effective. In other circumstances, qualified sign language or oral interpreters are needed to communicate effectively with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The more lengthy, complex, and important the communication, the more likely it is that a qualified interpreter will be required for effective communication with a person whose primary means of communication is sign language or speech reading. For example:
– If there has been an incident and the officer is conducting witness interviews, a qualified sign language interpreter may be required to communicate effectively with someone whose primary means of communication is sign language.
– If a person is asking an officer for directions to a location, gestures and an exchange of written notes will likely be sufficient to communicate effectively and a sign language interpreter is often not required.
- To serve each individual effectively, primary consideration should be given to the communication aid or service that works best for that person. Officers must ask persons who are deaf or hard of hearing what type of auxiliary aid or service they need. Officers must defer to those expressed choices, unless there is another equally effective way of communicating, given the circumstances, length, complexity, and importance of the communication, as well as the communication skills of the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
- The Agency is not required to provide a particular auxiliary aid or service if doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the law enforcement activity in question, or if it would cause an undue administrative or financial burden. Only the Agency head or his or her designee may make this determination. For example:
– If the Agency has limited financial resources and providing a particular auxiliary aid would cost a large sum of money, the Agency head may determine that it would be an undue financial burden (note: the Agency’s budget as a whole must be considered). In this situation, the most effective means of communication that does not involve an undue burden must be used.
- The input of people who are deaf or hard of hearing who are involved in incidents is just as important to the law enforcement process as the input of others. Officers must not draw conclusions about incidents unless they fully understand – and are understood by – all those involved, including persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing must never be charged for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service needed for effective communication.
ON-CALL INTERPRETIVE SERVICES
- The Agency will maintain a list of sign language and oral interpreting services that are available (on-call 24 hours per day) and willing to provide qualified interpreters as needed. Each of these services will be chosen after having been screened for the quality and skill of its interpreters, its reliability, and other factors such as cost. The Agency will update this list annually.
- A qualified sign language or oral interpreter is one who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Accordingly, an interpreter must be able to sign to the deaf individual (or interpret orally to the person who does not use sign language) what is being said by the hearing person and to voice to the hearing person what is being signed or said by the deaf individual. The interpreter must be able to interpret in the language the deaf person uses (e.g., American Sign Language or Signed English) and must be familiar with law enforcement terms and phrases. Because a qualified interpreter must be able to interpret impartially, a family member, child, or friend of the individual who is deaf may not be qualified to render the necessary interpretation because of factors such as professional, emotional, or personal involvement, or considerations of confidentiality. Additionally, although a “qualified” interpreter may be certified, a certified interpreter is not necessarily “qualified,” if he or she is not a good communications match for the deaf person (e.g., where the deaf person uses Signed English and the interpreter uses American Sign Language) or the situation (e.g., where the interpreter is unfamiliar with law enforcement vocabulary). Certification is not required in order for an interpreter to be “qualified.”
TTY AND RELAY SERVICES
- In situations when a nondisabled person would have access to a telephone, officers must provide persons who are deaf or hard of hearing the opportunity to place calls using a text telephone (TTY, also known as a telecommunications device for deaf people, or TDD). Officers must also accept telephone calls placed by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing through the Telecommunications Relay Service.
TECHNIQUES FOR OFFICERS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
- Officers must review and have a working knowledge of Guide for Law Enforcement Officers When In Contact With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This document reviews how officers should communicate effectively in the types of situations officers will encounter. These situations include:
– Issuing a noncriminal or motor vehicle citation.
– Communicating with a person who initiates contact with an officer.
– Interviewing a victim or critical witness to an incident.
– Questioning a person who is a suspect in a crime.
– Making an arrest or taking a person into custody.
– Issuing Miranda Warnings to a person under arrest or in custody.
– Interrogating a person under arrest or in custody.
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES
- Officers must utilize the following auxiliary aids, when available, to communicate effectively:
– Use of gestures
– Use of visual aids
– Exchange of written notes
– Use of computers or typewriters
– Use of assistive listening devices
– Use of teletypewriters (TTY’s)
– Use of qualified oral or sign language interpreters
(Return to Agreement)
Please Note: Paragraph 23 of the Agreement requires that within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide signage as necessary to comply with 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), after having surveyed all facilities that are the subject of this Agreement for the purpose of identifying those that have multiple entrances not all of which are accessible.
1. The technical requirements and, where appropriate, the scoping requirements of the Standards are used as a guide for determining whether a program or activity held in an existing facility is “readily accessible to and usable by” persons with disabilities and for determining what changes are necessary to make this program or activity accessible if it continues to be provided in the existing facility in question. See 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.150(b)(1), 35.151.
2. In order to ensure that each of the County’s programs, services, and activities operating at a facility that is the subject of this Agreement, when viewed in its entirety, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the County will take the following actions within 12 months of the effective date of this Agreement, except where otherwise noted:
3. Cheshire County Administrative Building
a. Parking. The van accessible parking space reserved for persons with disabilities is inaccessible because the access aisle is only 72 inches wide. Ensure that van accessible spaces are a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. At all spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. At van accessible spaces, provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).
b. Unisex Toilet Rooms - Basement and First Floor. The unisex toilet rooms in the basement and on the first floor both contain numerous elements that are not accessible to persons with disabilities. Provide one accessible unisex toilet room such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29. At all inaccessible toilet rooms, provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii), 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, 4.30.5, 4.30.7.
c. Office of Deeds
i. The interior entrance door is inaccessible because the pressure required to open the door is 15 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).
ii. The service counter is inaccessible because the top is 40 inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards §§ 7.2(2), 4.3.
d. Elevator. The elevator is inaccessible because, although emergency communications are provided, they require voice communication. Provide a two-way communication system such that it does not require voice communication, the highest operable part is a maximum of 48 inches above the finished floor of the car, and it is identified by a raised symbol and lettering located adjacent to the device. If the system uses a handset, ensure that the length of the cord from the panel to the handset is at least 29 inches. If the system is located in a closed compartment, ensure that the compartment door hardware operates without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Standards § 4.10.14.
4. Cheshire County Courthouse
a. Parking. Although the parking lot has a total of 26 parking spaces and 4 are reserved for people with disabilities, none are van accessible. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance, provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that van accessible spaces are a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. At all spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. At van accessible spaces, provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).
b. Lift. The lift, which requires a key for operation, is inaccessible because it requires assistance to operate. Provide a lift at this location that facilitates unassisted entry, operation, and exit from the lift. Standards § 4.11.3.
c. Women’s Crisis Center
i. Entrance Ramp. The ramp is inaccessible because it lacks handrail extensions. Provide handrails that are between 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches in diameter with a continuous gripping surface along both sides of the ramp, extending at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp parallel with the ground surface. Ensure that handrails are mounted between 34 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface, with ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall, or post, and that they do not rotate within their fittings. Standards § 4.8.5.
ii. Women’s Toilet Room with Stalls
(1) The toilet room sign is inaccessible because it is not mounted on the latch side of the door, the centerline is 63 inches above the finished floor, and it lacks the International Symbol of Access. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.
(2) There is insufficient turning space within the toilet room because of the location of a partition and a trash can. Provide an unobstructed turning space at least 60 inches in diameter or a T-shaped space complying with Fig. 3(b). Standards §§ 4.22.3, 4.2.3, Fig. 3.
(3) The rear grab bar at the toilet is inaccessible because there is a 3 inch space between the grab bar and wall. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches; with 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.17.6, 4.26.2, Fig. 30.
(4) No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.25.2, 4.25.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.
iii. Drinking Fountain
(1) The drinking fountain is a protruding object because it is not detectable by a blind person using a cane. Provide a high drinking fountain at this location such that its bottom leading edges measure no more than 27 inches above the finished floor or protrude no more than 4 inches into the walkway. Standards § 4.4.
(2) Although an accessible drinking fountain is provided, there is no drinking fountain provided for people who have difficulty bending or stooping. For each accessible drinking fountain, provide a drinking fountain that is accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. This can be accommodated by the use of a “hi-lo” fountain; by providing one fountain accessible to those who use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard height convenient for those who have difficulty bending; by providing a fountain accessible to people who use wheelchairs and a cup dispenser, or by such other means as would achieve the required accessibility for each group of people. Standards § 4.1.3(10)(a).
d. Winter Street Entrance Ramp. This entrance is inaccessible. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible entrances directing users to the accessible entrance, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all permanent accessible entrances. Standards §§ 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.13, 4.30.
e. Sheriff’s Office - Lower Level
i. This entrance is inaccessible because of steps. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible entrances directing users to the accessible entrance, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all permanent accessible entrances. Standards §§ 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.13, 4.30.
ii. Men’s Toilet Room. This toilet room is inaccessible and there is no signage directing people with disabilities to the accessible toilet rooms. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii), 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, 4.30.5, 4.30.7.
iii. Holding Cells
(1) The route to the holding cells is inaccessible because of stairs. Provide at least one accessible holding cell that is located on an accessible route. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of 1/2 inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.
(2) Toilet Room– The holding cell toilet/lavatory combination is not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible holding cell such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29.
f. Jury Deliberation Room Men’s and Women’s Single User Toilet Rooms. These single user toilet rooms contain a number of inaccessible elements and are not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible toilet room, either one for men and one for women or one unisex room, such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29.
g. Jury Assembly Room
i. The double doors leading into the Jury Assembly Room are inaccessible because the door hardware requires tight pinching and grasping. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.
ii. Men’s and Women’s Toilet Rooms with Stalls
(1) The toilet room sign is inaccessible because the signage is mounted on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.
(2) The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards § 4.19.4.
(3) No accessible mirror has been provided. Provide a mirror with the bottom edge of its reflecting surface no more than 40 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.19.6.
(4) The rear grab bar at the toilet in the designated accessible stall is inaccessible because the space between it and the wall is 3 inches. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches; with 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.17.6, 4.26.2, Fig. 30.
(5) The side grab bar at the toilet in the designated accessible stall is inaccessible because the space between the bar and the wall is 3 inches. Provide a side grab bar that is at least 40 inches in overall length, with the far end mounted at least 52 inches from the rear wall and the closer end 12 inches or less from the rear wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches; with 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1 1/2 inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as the toilet paper dispenser. Standards §§ 4.17.6, 4.26.2, Figs. 30(a), (d).
(6) The toilet paper dispenser is inaccessible because it is not mounted 1 1/2 inches under the grab bar thereby interfering with use of the grab bar. Provide a toilet paper dispenser that is mounted with its top at least 1 1/2 inches under the side grab bar and 36 inches or less from the rear wall and is centered at least 19 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.17.3, Fig. 30(d).
(7) (Men’s only) The toilet stall door swings into the required clear floor space at the lavatory. Ensure that no door swings into the required clear floor space at any accessible fixture. Standards § 4.22.2.
(8) (Men’s only) The toilet is inaccessible because the flush control is on the closed side. Provide a flush control mounted on the “open” side of the toilet’s clear floor space; 44 inches or less above the finished floor; and requiring a maximum of 5 pounds of force to operate; or provide an automatic flush device. Standards §§ 4.16.5, 4.17.2, 4.27.4.
h. Second Floor Conference Room
i. The conference room door is inaccessible because it has an opening width of only 30 inches. Provide a designated accessible entrance with a clear opening of 32 inches with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop. Standards § 4.13.5, Fig. 24.
ii. The door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.
i. Probate Court
i. Counter. The service counter is inaccessible because the top is 50 inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards §§ 7.2(2), 4.3.
ii. Witness Stand. The witness stand in Probate Court is inaccessible because of a 7 1/2 inch step. Install a ramp or platform lift in compliance with the Standards or establish a procedure for providing access to this area. Any procedure shall not require lifting or carrying persons with mobility impairments or require them to traverse unnecessary or extreme distances.
5. Maplewood Nursing Home
a. Parking. Although the parking lot has a total of 67 parking spaces, 5 of which are parallel spaces reserved for people with disabilities, no van accessible parking is provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance, provide one van accessible space and two standard spaces designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that standard accessible spaces are a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. At all spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. At van accessible spaces, provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).
b. Unisex Toilet Room - in hallway near entrance and counter
i. The toilet room sign is inaccessible because it is not mounted on the latch side of the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.
ii. The door is inaccessible because the opening is 31 inches wide and it has knob hardware. Provide a door with a clear opening at least 32 inches wide when measured from the face of the door to the opposite stop when the door is opened 90 degrees and with hardware usable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Lever-operated, push-type, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards §§ 4.13.5, 4.13.9, Fig. 24.
iii. The door is inaccessible because the pressure required to open the door is 10 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).
iv. The toilet room door swings into the required clear floor space at the lavatory. Ensure that no door swings into the required clear floor space at any accessible fixture. Standards § 4.22.2.
v. The soap dispenser is inaccessible because the controls are mounted at 49 inches above the finished floor requiring forward reach over an obstruction. Provide a soap dispenser with the controls a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.27.2, 4.27.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, Figs. 5, 6..
vi. The toilet is inaccessible because the top of the seat is more than 19 inches above the finished floor. Provide a toilet with a seat that measures 17 to 19 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.16.3, Fig. 29(b).
vii. The toilet is inaccessible because the flush control is on the closed side. Provide a flush control mounted on the “open” side of the toilet’s clear floor space; 44 inches or less above the finished floor; and requiring a maximum of 5 pounds of force to operate; or provide an automatic flush device. Standards §§ 4.16.5, 4.27.4.
viii. There are no grab bars provided. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall, and a side grab bar that is at least 40 inches in overall length, with the far end mounted at least 52 inches from the rear wall and the closer end 12 inches or less from the rear wall. Ensure that the grab bars are mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches; with 1 1/2 inches between the grab bars and the wall; and at least 1 1/2 inches between the grab bars and any other object, such as a toilet paper dispenser or a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.
ix. The toilet paper dispenser is inaccessible because it is mounted 41 inches from the back wall. Provide a toilet paper dispenser that is mounted within reach, with its top at least 1 1/2 inches under the side grab bar, and centered at least 19 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.16.6, Fig. 29(b).
x. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.25.2, 4.25.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.
c. Elevators
i. The elevator is inaccessible because the car control buttons do not have Braille and raised characters, are not to the left of the buttons, and the main entry floor is not designated by a raised star. Provide car control buttons that are at least 3/4 inch in their smallest dimension and are raised or flush and that are designated by Braille and by raised standard alphabet characters for letters, arabic characters for numerals, or standard symbols. Ensure that the call button for the main entry floor is designated by a raised star at the left of the floor designation; that all raised designations for control buttons are placed immediately to the left of the buttons to which they apply; that floor buttons are provided with visual indicators to show when each call is registered and are extinguished when each call is answered; that all floor buttons are no higher than 54 inches above the finished floor for a side approach and no more than 48 inches above the finished floor for a front approach; and that emergency controls, including the emergency alarm and emergency stop, are grouped at the bottom of the panel and have their centerlines no less than 35 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.10.12, Fig. 23.
ii. The elevator is inaccessible because, although emergency communications are provided, the system is not identified by raised symbol and lettering. Provide a two-way communication system such that it does not require voice communication, the highest operable part is a maximum of 48 inches above the finished floor of the car, and it is identified by a raised symbol and lettering located adjacent to the device. If the system uses a handset, ensure that the length of the cord from the panel to the handset is at least 29 inches. If the system is located in a closed compartment, ensure that the compartment door hardware operates without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Standards § 4.10.14.
6. Barn
a. Parking. There are no accessible parking spaces provided for persons with disabilities. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance, provide one van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that standard accessible spaces are a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 60 inches wide. Ensure that van accessible spaces are a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. At all spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. At van accessible spaces, provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).
b. Entrance
i. There is not a level approach within the required maneuvering clearance of the door. Provide a door so that the floor or ground area within the required clearances is level and clear. Standards § 4.13.6, Fig. 25.
ii. The door, which is accessed through a front approach, is inaccessible because it has an insufficient approach area on the pull side. On the pull side of the door, provide maneuvering clearance at least 60 inches deep and provide a minimum of 18 inches (24 inches is preferred) of maneuvering clearance on the latch side of the door. Standards § 4.13.6, Fig. 25(a).
iii. The door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.
iv. The door is inaccessible because there is a step at the threshold. Provide a door with a threshold no greater than 1/4 inch, or between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch and beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.
7. Cheshire Correctional Facility
a. The County is planning to build a new correctional facility with construction slated to begin in 2005. As architectural drawings and construction documents for the new facility are developed, the County shall submit them to the Department of Justice for review to ensure that the accessibility requirements of the ADA are met in the design and construction of the new facility.
b. Parking
i. The signage designating parking as reserved for persons with disabilities is too low. At each space designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by vehicles parked in the space. Standards §§ 4.6.4, 4.30.7(1).
ii. The van accessible parking reserved for persons with disabilities lacks the appropriate signage. At van accessible spaces, provide a “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility such that the sign cannot be obstructed by vehicles parked in the space. Standards §§ 4.6.4, 4.30.7(1).
iii. The route from the accessible parking to the building entrance is inaccessible because there is no curb cut. Provide a curb ramp that is at least 36 inches wide, has a maximum slope of 1:12, is located so that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles, and has a stable, firm, and slip-resistant surface with a detectable warning extending the full width and depth of the ramp. If the curb ramp is located where pedestrians must walk across it, provide either flared sides (with a maximum slope of 1:10) or handrails or guardrails to protect against cross traffic. Standards § 4.3.8, 4.7, Fig. 12.
c. Pay Telephone - Lobby
i. The telephone is inaccessible because there is insufficient clear floor space. Provide an accessible telephone with a clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches that allows either a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair such that bases, enclosures, and fixed seats do not impede approaches to the telephone; with the highest operable part of the telephone mounted no more than 48 inches above the floor for a front approach or no more than 54 inches above the floor for a side approach; that is hearing aid compatible and has a volume control mechanism; with telephone books, if provided, located between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor for a front approach or between 9 and 54 inches above the finished floor for a side approach; with a cord of at least 29 inches long from the telephone to the handset; and with signage that complies with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.31, 4.30.7(2).
ii. Although there is one public telephone provided with a shelf, it is not equipped with an electrical outlet or signage. Provide a pay telephone designed to accommodate a portable text telephone equipped with a shelf and an electrical outlet within or adequate to the telephone enclosure. The telephone handset shall be capable of being placed flush on the surface of the shelf. The shelf shall be capable of accommodating a text telephone and shall have 6 inches minimum vertical clearance in the area where the text telephone is to be placed. {Need signage macro}
d. Drinking Fountains. All the drinking fountains in the facility lack appropriate knee space. Provide one drinking fountain with a spout height no higher than 36 inches, measured from the finished floor or ground surface to the spout outlet; and a spout located at the front of the unit that directs the water flow in a trajectory that is nearly parallel to the front of the unit and is positioned so the flow of water is within 3 inches of the front edge of the fountain and at least 4 inches high. Ensure that fountain controls are operable with one hand, require 5 lbf or less to operate without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and are front mounted or side mounted near the front edge. For each accessible drinking fountain, provide a drinking fountain that is accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. This can be accommodated by the use of a “hi-lo” fountain; by providing one fountain accessible to those who use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard height convenient for those who have difficulty bending; by providing a fountain accessible to people who use wheelchairs and a cup dispenser; or by such other means as would achieve the required accessibility for each group of people. Standards §§ 4.15, 4.27.4, Fig. 27.
e. Toilet Room - Lobby. The lobby single user toilet room contains a number of inaccessible elements and is not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible toilet room such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29.
f. Hallway. The route through the hallway is inaccessible because there are three steps. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of 1/2 inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.
g. Holding Cells. There are four holding cells. In each, the door is 25 inches wide. Provide one accessible holding cell, toilet, and shower per gender. Also, provide one accessible toilet, one accessible visiting area, one accessible attorney conference space, and an accessible counter where public interacts with prison staff.
h. Women’s Toilet Room with Stalls - First Floor. The women’s toilet room contains a number of inaccessible elements and is not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible toilet room such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, stall size and arrangement, stall door, grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Fig. 30.
i. Women’s Shower Room - First Floor. The first floor shower is non-compliant because it contains inaccessible elements. Provide a shower in this room that is exactly 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep with a 48 inch long and 36 inch wide clear floor space alongside the shower opening, and an L-shaped shower seat mounted on the wall opposite the controls and extending the full depth of the stall; OR a shower that is at least 30 inches deep and 60 inches wide with no curb or threshold and with a 36 inch deep and 60 inch wide clear floor space at the shower opening. Ensure that the shower has grab bars, controls, a shower spray unit, and a seat, curb, and enclosure, if provided, that comply fully with the Standards and with Figs. 35, 36, and 37, as applicable. Standards § 4.21, Figs. 35, 36, 37.
j. Men’s Intake Shower Room. The bench in the intake shower room is inaccessible because the surface is not smooth. Provide a 24 inch by 48 inch bench fixed to the wall along the bench’s longer dimension. Ensure that the bench has sufficient structural strength and is mounted with its surface between 17 inches and 19 inches above the finished floor. Provide clear floor space alongside the bench to allow a person using a wheelchair to make a parallel transfer onto the bench. Standards §§ 4.35.4, 4.26.3.
k. Men’s Toilet Room in Intake Area. There is no toilet paper dispenser. Provide a toilet paper dispenser that is mounted within reach, with its top at least 1 1/2 inches under the side grab bar, and centered at least 19 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.16.6, Fig. 29(b).
l. Route. The route to the outside exercise area is inaccessible because of a step. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of 1/2 inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.
m. In order to conserve financial resources for use in constructing the new Correctional Facility, as an alternative to performing the modifications set out in items 7.c. - 7.1. above, the County has agreed to provide program access solutions as an interim measure until the new Correctional Facility is constructed and operational that will enable inmates, visitors, and others with disabilities to be served at different facilities or through different programs. Within 90 days of the effective date of this agreement, the County will submit a plan to the Department, for its approval, identifying the steps to be taken to ensure access to the programs located in the Correctional Facility for persons with disabilities from the effective date of the Agreement until the new Correctional Facility has been constructed and is operational.
(Return to Agreement)