WASHINGTON – The city of Des Moines, Iowa, and the Des Moines Public Library have agreed to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons with disabilities, the Justice Department announced today. The agreement was reached under Project Civic Access, the department’s initiative to ensure that cities, towns, and counties comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Access to public programs and facilities is a civil right, and individuals with disabilities must have the opportunity to participate in local government programs, services, and activities on an equal basis with their neighbors,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division.
In reaching this agreement, the city of Des Moines and the city’s public library have made an important commitment to residents and visitors with disabilities.
Under the agreement, Des Moines will take important steps to improve access for individuals with disabilities, such as making physical modifications to facilities surveyed by the department, surveying other facilities and programs, and adopting a grievance procedure to deal with complaints of disability discrimination.
The agreement is the 188th under the PCA initiative. Des Moines will have three years to complete most actions, while the city will work with the disability community to prioritize and complete accessibility modifications to sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, transportation stops, and curb ramps within seven years.
People interested in finding out more about the agreement and how to file a complaint can contact the Disability Rights Section at 202-307-0695 (voice) or 202-307-2027 (TTY).
Defendant: Des Moines, Iowa, and the Des Moines Public Library
Criminal Charges: Accessibility Violations
City and State: Des Moines, Iowa
Exact Date: No specific date mentioned
Sentence or Outcome: Agreement to improve access for individuals with disabilities
Dollar Amounts: No dollar amounts mentioned
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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