SCRANTON, PA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Friday that the Borough of Bellefonte has agreed to improve accessibility for residents with hearing disabilities. This decision comes under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that all necessary auxiliary aides and services, including qualified sign-language interpreters, will be available at public meetings.
When the Borough records or broadcasts its meetings, there will be an “in frame” American Sign Language interpreter to facilitate understanding for those with hearing impairments. Additionally, the Borough will appoint an ADA Coordinator, provide information on how those with disabilities can contact this coordinator, and establish a grievance procedure to handle ADA-related complaints.
This action follows a complaint from a resident with a hearing disability who reported that the Borough did not provide necessary auxiliary devices during in-person council meetings or an interpreter for taped broadcasts. Moreover, the Borough lacked a process for disabled individuals to request accommodations or file complaints about inaccessibility, and it did not have an ADA coordinator.
Following an investigation, and with the cooperation of the Borough, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found the complaint valid.
U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam underscored the importance of this agreement. He stated, “The right to participate, attend, or watch public local government meetings is a fundamental right in a democracy, and those with hearing disabilities cannot be excluded. This agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities in the Borough will now have an ADA Coordinator who can answer questions, accept accommodations requests like auxiliary aides for council meetings, and receive disability complaints.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Butler, the Civil Rights Coordinator, handled the investigation.
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