Knox County, ADA Violation, Texas 2020

Knox County, Texas, Accused of Violating Americans with Disabilities Act

In a shocking revelation, Knox County, Texas, has been found guilty of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The county’s Justice of the Peace, through an email, instructed a deaf citizen to arrange and fund his own sign language interpreter for a marriage ceremony at the county courthouse in 2020. This blatant disregard for the ADA’s requirements has led to a settlement agreement between Knox County and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton.

The ADA requires public entities to provide auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity of a public entity. However, Knox County’s response to the deaf citizen’s request was a stark contrast to this requirement.

According to the settlement agreement, Knox County will take steps to ensure qualified sign language interpreters, real-time transcription services, and other accommodations are available to deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens. The county will also post a notice outlining its responsibilities under the ADA on its website, in conspicuous locations in each of its public buildings, and in a newspaper of general circulation serving the county.

The agreement also requires Knox County to identify and develop procedures for using vendors able to provide sign language interpreters, real-time transcription services, braille, and other accommodations. Additionally, the county will develop and implement a training program to educate its employees on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Knox County Judge can be reached at (940) 459-2191 or for complaints regarding inaccessible county services, programs, or activities. Under the terms of the agreement, any complaints made to the county alleging discrimination based on disability must be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office within 21 days.

Knox County’s actions, while egregious, serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring equal access for all individuals, including those with disabilities. The settlement agreement is a step in the right direction, but it is crucial that Knox County and other public entities adhere to the ADA’s requirements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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