Mobile County Commission, ADA Violations, Alabama 2024

State: Alabama
Category: Public Corruption
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdal/pr/strickland-youth-center-become-accessible-people-disabilities" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Grimy Times has learned that the Mobile County Commission has agreed to settle a long-standing dispute with the US Attorney’s Office over allegations of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations at the Strickland Youth Center (SYC) in Mobile, Alabama.

According to a complaint filed by the US Attorney’s Office, the SYC facility has been inaccessible to individuals with disabilities for over two decades. Despite the passage of the ADA in 1991, the SYC has failed to make the necessary structural changes to accommodate persons with disabilities.

The complaint, which was brought to light by a wheelchair user in 2014, revealed significant violations of the ADA. The facility’s main building does not have a single accessible bathroom, and the designated accessible entrance is located at the opposite end of the building from the main entrance.

Mobile County Commission officials have cooperated with the compliance review and site visits, and have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that SYC services and programs become accessible to all persons, regardless of disability.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Mobile County Commission has agreed to make the following changes:

Provide an ADA compliant ramp to the main entrance of the courthouse
Locate six accessible parking spaces with adjoining access aisles and curb cuts at the main entrance
Add a unisex accessible bathroom near the main lobby
Move the receptionist area and clerk’s office to accessible locations
Install ADA compliant signage and accessible drinking fountains
Ensure access to courtrooms, offices, and other areas of the facility

The settlement agreement is a significant step towards ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the SYC’s facilities and services.

Mandatory Facts: