Americans with Disabilities Act Complaint Procedure

The Athens Regional Library System has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II states, in part that “no otherwise qualified disabled individuals shall, solely by reasons of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination” in programs or activities sponsored by a public entity.

Complaints should be addressed to the ADA Coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606.

Rules for filing complaints:

1. A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
2. A complaint should be filed within 180 days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing of allegations of discrimination which occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow a filing of complaint. The investigation shall be conducted by library staff. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives,, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by library staff and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than seven days after its filing.
5. The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the files and records of the Athens Regional Library System relating to the complaints filed.
6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made within seven days to the Library Director.
7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
8. These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that Athens Regional Library System complies with the ADA and implementing regulations.

1/24/96