DeSoto Parish, Accessibility Scandal, Louisiana 2024

SHREVEPORT, La. – In a shocking revelation, DeSoto Parish has signed an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, a move that comes after a long history of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to the agreement, DeSoto Parish will remove barriers to accessibility in buildings, including government office buildings, courthouses, sheriff’s offices, and detention centers. The parish will also make physical modifications to improve accessibility, such as providing accessible parking, routes, restrooms, and services at alternate locations.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana stands firm in its commitment to advance the goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Our office will continue to support the rights of individuals with disabilities to access civic life.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King handled the case, which is part of the Project Civic Access initiative, aimed at ensuring parishes and municipalities comply with the ADA. DeSoto Parish has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and has made significant progress in meeting ADA requirements.

The agreement also requires DeSoto Parish to train staff on the requirements of the ADA, ensure effective communication for individuals with disabilities, and post the identity and functions of the Parish ADA Coordinator, as well as the Parish’s ADA Grievance Procedure Policy.

For more information about the ADA, the agreement, and the PCA initiative, individuals may access the ADA web page at: www.ada.gov/civicac.htm or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at: 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana will continue to monitor DeSoto Parish’s compliance with the agreement and ensure that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in DeSoto Parish’s commitment to accessibility and its efforts to comply with the ADA. However, the question remains whether the parish will be able to fully implement the agreement and provide equal access to all citizens.

Related Federal Cases