Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Town of Richmond Addresses ADA Compliance at Public Meetings
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Town of Richmond has undertaken steps to voluntarily address concerns regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act by providing effective communications for individuals who are hard of hearing at public meetings, and by establishing policies and procedures for accommodation requests.
In August 2017, in response to a complaint, the U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into the Town of Richmond and identified concerns regarding policies and procedures for requests for reasonable accommodations and effective communication. Once it became aware of the concerns, the Town of Richmond cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop a public notice to address policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities. The policy, adopted by the Town Council, is posted on the Town’s website and at all Town facilities. Additionally, the Town has installed a sound system with microphones and amplifiers that is now used at all public meetings.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those interested in learning more about architectural barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, visit the web site of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island at www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm..
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