U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section P.O. Box 66738 Washington, DC 20035-6738 November 4, 1996 David L. Porteous Attorney at Law 4393 220th Avenue P.O. Box 206 Reed City, Michigan 49677 Re: Complaint Number XX Dear Mr. Porteous: This letter is in reference to the complaint filed with our office alleging that your client, the Osceola County Courthouse, is inaccessible to persons using wheelchairs in violation of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). We have received information from Osceola County indicating that the Friend of the Court office has been moved to the accessible first floor of the Courthouse. The County indicated, furthermore, that Board of Commissioners meetings may occasionally be scheduled to be held on the inaccessible second floor of the Courthouse, but that individuals are notified of the location of the meetings and are asked if an accommodation is required. If anyone requests such an accommodation, the meeting is moved to an accessible location. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners Administrative Assistant's office, an internal service office to the Board of Commissioners, is located on the inaccessible second floor, but all contacts with the public are relocated to an accessible location whenever needed. Finally, the County indicated that Circuit Court proceedings are moved to the accessible District or Probate Court rooms when individuals with disabilities request such an accommodation. Based on the foregoing information, we have concluded that the allegations against Osceola County have been resolved. Please note that, if the complainant is dissatisfied with our determination, he may be entitled to file a private complaint in the United States District Court under title II of the ADA. This letter does not address other potential claims of discrimination on the basis of disability that may arise from the 01-00457 -2- activities of Osceola County. Rather, this letter is limited to the allegations presented in the complaint filed with us. Sincerely, Naomi Milton Attorney Disability Rights Section cc: XX 01-00458