Chaves County, New Mexico, has been caught up in a web of ADA violations, forcing the Justice Department to step in and ensure equal access for people with disabilities.
Under the agreement, the county will remove barriers to accessibility at county facilities, including the county courthouse, administration building, health centers, medical complexes, detention center, and juvenile detention center. The county will make physical modifications to those facilities so that parking, routes into buildings, entrances, service areas, and counters, restrooms, elevators, and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities.
The county will also survey other facilities and programs and make modifications wherever necessary to achieve full compliance with ADA requirements. In addition to physical accessibility, the county will administer a grievance procedure for resolving ADA complaints, provide effective communication for county programs and services, including law enforcement, provide improved access to polling places and the voting process, and ensure that the county’s official website and other web-based services are accessible to people with disabilities.
‘Providing access to local government programs, services, and activities is critical to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities,’ said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. ‘I commend county officials for their cooperation in working with us and for making this commitment to provide equal access to their residents and visitors with disabilities.’
The agreement was reached under Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by state and local governments. The department will actively monitor compliance with the agreement, which will remain in effect for three years.
For more information about the ADA, today’s agreement, and the PCA initiative, individuals can access the ADA web page at www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Chaves County, New Mexico, has been forced to face its ADA violations head-on, and the Justice Department is watching closely to ensure compliance. Only time will tell if the county will be able to provide equal access to its residents and visitors with disabilities.
Related Federal Cases
- Sandoval County, Accessibility Violations, New Mexico 2024 · New Mexico
- Alonzo Gallegos, Destruction of Mail, New Mexico · New Mexico
- Anthony Buntyn, Willful Due Process Violation, New Mexico 2022 · New Mexico
- Española Trespasses on Tribal Lands, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Senator Fall’s Daring Diplomacy: A Glimpse into Mexico’s Turmoil · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
ðŸâ€â€™ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption