Settlement Agreement Between The United States Of America And > Highland County, Ohio Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

BACKGROUND

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The United States Department of Justice (Department) initiated this matter as a compliance review of Highland County, Ohio, under title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, and the Department’s implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35. Because Highland County receives financial assistance from the Department of Justice, the review was also conducted under the authority of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and the Department’s implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G.

The review was conducted by the Disability Rights Section of the Department’s Civil Rights Division and focused on Highland County’s compliance with the following title II requirements:

• to conduct a self-evaluation of its services, policies, and practices by July 26, 1992, and make modifications necessary to comply with the Department’s title II regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.105;

• to notify applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons of their rights and Highland County’s obligations under title II and the Department’s regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.106;

• to designate a responsible employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out Highland County’s ADA responsibilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(a);

• to establish a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of violations of title II, 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(b);

• to operate each program, service, or activity so that, when viewed in its entirety, it is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.150, by:

• delivery of services, programs, or activities in alternate ways, including, for example, redesign of equipment, reassignment of services, assignment of aides, home visits, or other methods of compliance or, if these methods are not effective in making the programs accessible,

• physical changes to buildings (required to have been made by January 26, 1995), in accordance with the Department’s title II regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.151, and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards), 28 C.F.R. pt. 36, App. A, or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), 41 C.F.R. § 101-19.6, App. A.

• to ensure that facilities for which construction or alteration was begun after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, in accordance with 1) the Department’s title II regulation and 2) the Standards or UFAS, 28 C.F.R. § 35.151;

• to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others, including furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary, 28 C.F.R. § 35.160;

• to provide direct access via TTY (text telephone) or computer-to-telephone emergency services, including 9-1-1 services, for persons who use TTY’s and computer modems, 28 C.F.R. § 35.162;

• to provide information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of Highland County’s accessible services, activities, and facilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(a); and

• to provide signage at all inaccessible entrances to each of its facilities, directing users to an accessible entrance or to information about accessible facilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b).

As part of its compliance review, the Department reviewed the following facilities, which – because construction or alterations commenced after January 26, 1992 – must comply with the ADA’s new construction or alterations requirements: Justice Center, Greenfield Branch Library, Leesburg Branch Library, Lynchburg Branch Library, Highland County Board of Mental Retardation (altered section), Highland County Human Services (Tech Center), Highland County Courthouse (altered section).

The Department’s program access review covered those of Highland County’s programs, services, and activities that operate in the following facilities: Highland County Health Department, Highland County Annex, Highland County Court House, Prosecutors Office, Administration Building, Highland County Senior Citizens Building, Highland County District Library, Highland County Animal Shelter, Highland County Board of Mental Retardation, Highland County Childrens Services, Highland County Community Action.

The Department conducted a program access review of the following polling places: Jackson Township Building, Greenfield Church of Christ, Greenhills Senior Citizens Center, Hamer Township Building, Leesburg Village Office Building, Lynchburg Village Office Building, Mowrystown Fire Department, Hopewell Educational Center, Rocky Fork Activity Center. This review was limited to the areas of the facilities used by the voting public: parking, the route from the parking area to the area used for voting, and the area used for voting.

The Department reviewed Highland County’s policies and procedures regarding voting, emergency management and disaster prevention, and sidewalk maintenance to evaluate whether persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to utilize these programs.

Finally, the Department reviewed Highland County’s Sheriff’s Department’s policies and procedures regarding providing effective communication to persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

JURISDICTION

1. The ADA applies to the County because it is a “public entity” as defined by title II. 42 U.S.C. § 12131(1).

2. The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 35, Subpart F, to determine the compliance of the County with title II of the ADA and the Department's title II implementing regulation, to issue findings, and, where appropriate, to negotiate and secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized, under 42 U.S.C. § 12133, to bring a civil action enforcing title II of the ADA should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to Subpart F.

3. The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G, to determine the County’s compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to issue findings, and, where appropriate, to negotiate and secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized, under 29 U.S.C. § 794 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 42.530 and 42.108-110, to suspend or terminate financial assistance to the County provided by the Department of Justice should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to Subpart G or to bring a civil suit to enforce the rights of the United States under applicable federal, state, or local law.

4. The parties to this Agreement are the United States of America and Highland County, Ohio.

5. In order to avoid the burdens and expenses of an investigation and possible litigation, the parties enter into this Agreement.

6. In consideration of, and consistent with, the terms of this Agreement, the Attorney General agrees to refrain from filing a civil suit in this matter regarding all matters contained within this Agreement, except as provided in the section entitled “Implementation and Enforcement.”

ACTIONS TAKEN BY HIGHLAND COUNTY

7. The County has designated an ADA Coordinator and has posted ways in which citizens can contact the ADA Coordinator directly at the Highland County Commissioners Office or through the Ohio Relay Service.

8. The County has performed its own program accessibility evaluation, based on the ADA’s Standards for Accessible Design, for the County Courthouse and the Administration Building.

9. The County’s elections board currently offers curbside, mail-in and home-visit voting by request.

10. County 9-1-1 dispatchers participate in a two-month training, which includes instruction on using a TTY, and are evaluated every six months. Each 9-1-1 call station is currently equipped with a TTY or computer equivalent. In January, 2004, a new Computer Aided Dispatch system will be implemented to greater enhance the current system.

11. The County’s elections board has already identified inaccessible voting locations. With financial support through the Help America Vote Act, the County’s polling locations will be fully compliant by 2006.

12. The Job Club at Highland County Human Services offers accessible desks, materials in alternate format and telephone privacy for persons with disabilities, including persons with cognitive disabilities.

REMEDIAL ACTION

NOTIFICATION

13. Within two months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adopt the attached Notice (Attachment A); distribute it to all agency heads; publish the Notice in a local newspaper of general circulation serving the County; post the Notice on its Internet Home Page; and post copies in conspicuous locations in its public buildings. It will refresh the posted copies, and update the contact information contained on the Notice, as necessary, for the life of this Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.

14. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, and on yearly anniversaries of this Agreement until it expires, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures for providing information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the County’s accessible programs, services, and activities.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

15. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adopt the attached ADA Grievance Procedure (Attachment B), distribute it to all agency heads, and post copies of it in conspicuous locations in each of its public buildings. It will refresh the posted copies, and update the contact information contained on it, as necessary, for the life of the Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.

GENERAL EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION PROVISIONS

16. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will identify sources of qualified sign language and oral interpreters, real-time transcription services, and vendors that can put documents in Braille, and will implement and report to the Department its written procedures, with time frames, for fulfilling requests from the public for sign language or oral interpreters, real-time transcription services, and documents in alternate formats (Braille, large print, cassette tapes, etc.).

17. The County will take steps to ensure that all appropriate employees are trained and practiced in using the Ohio Relay Service, 1-800-750-0750, to make and receive calls.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

18. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will adapt for its own use and implement the Highland County Sheriff’s Office’s Policy Statement on Effective Communication with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing [Attachment C] and distribute to all sheriff department officers the Guide for Law Enforcement Officers When in Contact with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing [Attachment D].

19. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will contract with one or more local qualified oral/sign language interpreter agencies to ensure that the interpreting services will be available on a priority basis, twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week, to its sheriff department or make other appropriate arrangements (such as contracting directly with or hiring qualified interpreters).

20. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will ensure that each sheriff station or substation and each detention facility is equipped with a working TTY to enable persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have speech impairments to make outgoing telephone calls. Where inmate telephone calls are time-limited, the County will adopt policies permitting inmates who use TTY’s a longer period of time to make those calls, due to the slower nature of TTY communications compared with voice communications.

VOTING

21. Some of the County polling places may be owned or operated by other public entities subject to title II or by public accommodations subject to title III and, as such, would be subject to the obligation to provide program access or to remove barriers to accessibility under the ADA. This Agreement does not limit such future enforcement action against the owners or operators of these polling places by any person or entity, including the Department.

22. Within one month of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will request in writing that each of the owners and operators of the polling places listed in Attachment E below will remove the noted barriers to access for persons with disabilities and the County will distribute to them the Department’s ADA Checklist for Polling Places (www.ada.gov/votingck.htm). The request will specify that the remediation be completed within one year of the effective date of this Agreement. The County will simultaneously send a courtesy copy of the request to the Department.

23. Within 14 months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will survey all facilities mentioned in Attachment E to determine whether the actions requested by the County have been implemented. If not, for each polling place that still contains inaccessible parking, exterior route, entrance, or interior route to the voting area, the County will identify within 18 months of the effective date of this Agreement an alternate location where these elements are accessible. That identification will utilize the survey instrument that appears as Attachment F to this Agreement. The County will then take immediate steps to change its polling place to the new location.

24. Until all polling places in each precinct or voting district have accessible parking, exterior routes, entrances, and interior routes to the voting area, prior to each election, the County will identify and widely publicize to the public and to persons with disabilities and organizations serving them the most accessible polling place(s) for each precinct or voting district.

25. Within one year of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will develop and implement a way for persons who are blind or have low vision to vote independently and privately, whether through ballots and instructions in alternate formats (in-person and absentee), Braille templates and audio instructions, the provision of accessible voting machines, or some other method.

26. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will survey its voter registration locations for accessibility to persons with disabilities by using the form provided at Attachment F and will report the results of this survey to the Department. If barriers to access are identified, the County will implement and report the Department its plan to provide program access, which may include allowing persons to register to vote through alternative means or at alternative locations.

27. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will make all voter registration materials available in alternate formats, including Braille, large print, audio tape, and computer disk.

28. Starting three months from the effective date of this Agreement, when the County purchases or otherwise acquires new voting machines, one such newly-acquired machine per polling location will be the most accessible model for persons with disabilities (including those with mobility and visual impairments) that has been approved for County use by the applicable governing authority (e.g., State Secretary of Elections or other such official).

29. Starting three months from the effective date of this Agreement, when setting up its voting equipment, the County will ensure that the equipment’s accessibility to persons with disabilities is maximized, such as setting up table-top equipment on accessible tables and within the reach ranges required by the Standards, as shown in Attachment F.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

30. If the County contracts with another entity, such as the American Red Cross or another local government, to provide its emergency preparedness plans and emergency response services, the County will ensure that the other entity complies with the following provisions on its behalf.

31. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures that ensure that it regularly solicits and incorporates input from persons with a variety of disabilities and those who serve them regarding all phases of its emergency management plan (preparation, notification, response, and clean up).

32. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures that ensure that its community evacuation plans enable those who have mobility impairments, vision impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, mental illness, or other disabilities to safely self-evacuate or be evacuated by others. Some communities are instituting voluntary, confidential registries of persons with disabilities who may need individualized evacuation assistance or notification. If the County adopts or maintains such a registry, its report to the Department will discuss its procedures for ensuring voluntariness, appropriate confidentiality controls, and how the registry will be kept updated, as well as its outreach plan to inform persons with disabilities of its availability. Whether or not a registry is used, the County plan should address accessible transportation needs for persons with disabilities.

33. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures that ensure that if its emergency warning systems use sirens or other audible alerts, it will also provide ways to inform persons with hearing impairments of an impending disaster. The use of auto-dialed TTY messages to pre-registered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, text messaging, e-mails, open-captioning on local TV stations and other innovative uses of technology may be incorporated into such procedures, as well as lower-tech options such as dispatching qualified sign language interpreters to assist with emergency TV broadcasts.

34. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures that ensure that at least one emergency shelter has a back-up generator and a way to keep medications refrigerated (such as a refrigerator or a cooler with ice). Such shelter(s) will be made available to persons whose disabilities require access to electricity and refrigeration, for example, for using life-sustaining medical devices, providing power to motorized wheelchairs, and preserving certain medications, such as insulin, that require refrigeration. The written procedures will include a plan for notifying persons of the location of such shelter(s).

35. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written procedures that ensure that persons who use service animals are not separated from their service animals when sheltering during an emergency, even if pets are normally prohibited in shelters. The procedures will not unnecessarily segregate persons who use service animals from others but may take into account the potential presence of persons who, for safety or health reasons, should not be in contact with certain types of animals.

36. Some of the of the County’s emergency shelters may be owned or operated by other public entities subject to title II or by public accommodations subject to title III and, as such, are subject to the obligation to provide program access or remove barriers to accessibility under the ADA. This Agreement does not limit such future enforcement action against the owners or operators of these facilities by any person or entity, including the Department.

37. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement and until all emergency shelters have accessible parking, exterior routes, entrances, interior routes to the shelter area, and toilet rooms serving the shelter area, the County will identify and widely publicize to the public and to persons with disabilities and the organizations that serve them the most accessible emergency shelters.

38. To the extent that the County provides opportunities for post-emergency temporary housing to its residents, within 3 months of the effective date of this Agreement, it will develop, implement, and report to the Department its plans for providing equivalent opportunities for accessible post-emergency temporary housing to persons with disabilities. Within one year of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will ensure that information it makes available regarding temporary housing includes information on accessible housing (such as accessible hotel rooms within the community or in nearby communities) that could be used if people with disabilities cannot immediately return home after a disaster if, for instance, necessary accessible features such as ramps or electrical systems have been compromised.

SIDEWALKS

39. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will implement and report to the Department its written process for soliciting and receiving input from persons with disabilities regarding the accessibility of its sidewalks, including, for example, requests to add curb cuts at particular locations.

40. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will identify and report to the Department all streets, roads, and highways that have been constructed or altered since January 26, 1992. Paving, repaving, or resurfacing a street, road, or highway is considered an alteration for the purposes of this Agreement. Filling a pothole is not considered an alteration for the purposes of this Agreement. Within three years of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide curb ramps or other sloped areas complying with the Standards or UFAS at all intersections of the streets, roads, and highways identified under this paragraph having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway.

41. Beginning no later than three months after the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide curb ramps or other sloped areas complying with the Standards or UFAS at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway, whenever a new street, road, or highway is constructed or altered.

42. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will identify all street level pedestrian walkways that have been constructed or altered since January 26, 1992. Paving, repaving, or resurfacing a walkway is considered an alteration for the purposes of this Agreement. Within three years of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide curb ramps or other sloped areas complying with the Standards or UFAS at all places where a street level pedestrian walkway identified under this paragraph intersects with a street, road, or highway.

43. Beginning no later than three months after the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide curb ramps or other sloped areas complying with the Standards or UFAS at all newly constructed or altered pedestrian walkways where they intersect a street, road, or highway.

WEB-BASED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

44. Within 1 month of the effective date of this Agreement, and on subsequent anniversaries of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will distribute to all persons - employees and contractors - who design, develop, maintain, or otherwise have responsibility for content and format of its website(s) or third party websites used by the County (Internet Personnel) the technical assistance document, “Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities,” which is Attachment H to this Agreement (it is also available at www.ada.gov/websites2.htm).

45. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, and throughout the life of the Agreement, the County will do the following:

a. Establish, implement, and post online a policy that its web pages will be accessible and create a process for implementation;

b. Ensure that all new and modified web pages and content are accessible;

c. Develop and implement a plan for making existing web content more accessible;

d. Provide a way for online visitors to request accessible information or services by posting a telephone number or e-mail address on its home page; and

e. Periodically (at least annually) enlist persons with disabilities to test its pages for ease of use.

46. The County will comply with the cited provisions of the Standards when taking the actions required by this Agreement.

47. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will install signage as necessary to comply with 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), after having surveyed all facilities that are the subject of this Agreement for the purpose of identifying those that have multiple entrances not all of which are accessible.

PHYSICAL CHANGES TO FACILITIES

48. The elements or features of the County’s facilities that do not comply with the Standards, including those listed in Attachments I, J, and K, prevent persons with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying the County’s services, programs, or activities and constitute discrimination on the basis of disability within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12132 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.149 and 35.150.

49. The County will comply with the cited provisions of the Standards when taking the actions required by this Agreement.

50. Within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will install signage as necessary to comply with 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), after having surveyed all facilities that are the subject of this Agreement for the purpose of identifying those that have multiple entrances not all of which are accessible.

51. Newly Constructed Facilities: In order to ensure that the following spaces and elements in County facilities for which construction was commenced after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, the County will take the actions listed in Attachment I.

52. Altered Facilities: In order to ensure that the following spaces and elements in County facilities for which alterations commenced after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, the County will take the actions listed in Attachment J.

53. Program Access in County Existing Facilities: In order to ensure that each of the County’s programs, services, and activities operating at a facility that is the subject of this Agreement, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the County will take the actions listed in Attachment K.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

54. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, at yearly anniversaries of the effective date of this Agreement until it expires, the County will submit written reports to the Department summarizing the actions the County has taken pursuant to this Agreement. Reports will include detailed photographs showing measurements, architectural plans, work orders, notices published in the newspaper, copies of adopted policies, and proof of efforts to secure funding/assistance for structural renovations or equipment.

55. Throughout the life of this Agreement, consistent with 28 C.F.R. § 35.133(a), the County will maintain the accessibility of its programs, activities, services, facilities, and equipment, and will take whatever actions are necessary (such as routine testing of accessibility equipment and routine accessibility audits of its programs and facilities) to do so. This provision does not prohibit isolated or temporary interruptions in service or access due to maintenance or repairs. 28 C.F.R. § 35.133(b).

56. Within six months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will develop or procure a two-hour training program on the requirements of the ADA and appropriate ways of serving persons with disabilities. The County will use the ADA technical assistance materials developed by the Department and will consult with interested persons, including individuals with disabilities, in developing or procuring the ADA training program.

57. Within one year of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will deliver its training program to all County employees who have direct contact with members of the public. At the end of that period, the County will submit a copy of its training curriculum and materials to the Department, along with a list of employees trained and the name, title, and address of the trainer.

IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT

58. If at any time the County desires to modify any portion of this Agreement because of changed conditions making performance impossible or impractical or for any other reason, it will promptly notify the Department in writing, setting forth the facts and circumstances thought to justify modification and the substance of the proposed modification. Until there is written Agreement by the Department to the proposed modification, the proposed modification will not take effect. These actions must receive the prior written approval of the Department, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

59. The Department may review compliance with this Agreement at any time. If the Department believes that the County has failed to comply in a timely manner with any requirement of this Agreement without obtaining sufficient advance written agreement with the Department for a modification of the relevant terms, the Department will so notify the County in writing and it will attempt to resolve the issue or issues in good faith. If the Department is unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the issue or issues raised within 30 days of the date it provides notice to the County, it may institute a civil action in federal district court to enforce the terms of this Agreement, or it may initiate appropriate steps to enforce title II and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

60. For purposes of the immediately preceding paragraph, it is a violation of this Agreement for the County to fail to comply in a timely manner with any of its requirements without obtaining sufficient advance written agreement with the Department for an extension of the relevant time frame imposed by the Agreement.

61. Failure by the Department to enforce this entire Agreement or any provision thereof with regard to any deadline or any other provision herein will not be construed as a waiver of the Department's right to enforce other deadlines and provisions of this Agreement.

62. This Agreement is a public document. A copy of this document or any information contained in it will be made available to any person by the County or the Department on request.

63. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties on the matters raised herein, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either written or oral, made by either party or agents of either party, that is not contained in this written Agreement (including its Attachments, which are hereby incorporated by reference), will be enforceable. This Agreement does not purport to remedy any other potential violations of the ADA or any other federal law. This Agreement does not affect the County’s continuing responsibility to comply with all aspects of the ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

64. This Agreement will remain in effect for three years.

65. The person signing for the County represents that he or she is authorized to bind the County to this Agreement.

66. The effective date of this Agreement is the date of the last signature below.

For Highland County, Ohio:

By: ____________________________
MICHAEL E. RECTOR, President

Date: ___________________________

By: _____________________________
RUSSELL L. NEWMAN, Commissioner

Date: ___________________________

For the United States:

R. ALEXANDER ACOSTA,
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights

By:_____________________________
JOHN L. WODATCH, Chief
JEANINE WORDEN, Deputy Chief
MARY LOU MOBLEY, Senior Counsel
ELIZABETH BACON, Supervisory Attorney
SUSAN QUINN, Investigator
ELIZABETH BRZEZOWSKI, Investigative Assistant
MICHELE ANTONIO MALLOZZI, Architect
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section - NYA
Washington, DC 20530

Date: ______________________________

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Attachment B to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

Grievance Procedure under
The Americans with Disabilities Act

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the Highland County. The Highland County Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Stephanie Seeling
Highland County Commissioner Office
114 Governor Foraker Place
Hillsboro, OH 45133

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, Stephanie Seeling or her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, Stephanie Seeling or her designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of the County and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.

If the response by Stephanie Seeling or her designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the [City Manager/ County Commissioner/ other appropriate high-level official – TBD] or [his/her] designee.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the [City Manager/ County Commissioner/ other appropriate high-level official – TBD] or [his/her] designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the [City Manager/ County Commissioner/ other appropriate high-level official – TBD] or [his/her] designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.

All written complaints received by Stephanie Seeling or her designee, appeals to the [City Manager/ County Commissioner/ other appropriate high-level official–TBD] or [his/her] designee, and responses from these two offices will be retained by the Highland County for at least three years.

Attachment C to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

HIGHLAND COUNTY POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

OVERVIEW

It is the policy of this law enforcement agency (Agency) to ensure that a consistently high level of service is provided to all community members, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This Agency has specific legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. To carry out these policies and legal obligations, the Agency instructs its officers and employees as follows:

● People who identify themselves as deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to a level of service equivalent to that provided hearing persons.

● The Agency will make every effort to ensure that its officers and employees communicate effectively with people who have identified themselves as deaf or hard of hearing.

● Effective communication with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing involved in an incident -- whether as a victim, witness, suspect, or arrestee -- is essential in ascertaining what actually occurred, the urgency of the matter, and type of situation.

● Various types of communication aids – known as “auxiliary aids and services” – are used to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These include use of gestures or visual aids to supplement oral communication; an exchange of written notes; use of a computer or typewriter; use of assistive listening devices (to amplify sound for persons who are hard of hearing); or use of qualified oral or sign language interpreters.

● The type of aid that will be required for effective communication will depend on the individual’s usual method of communication, and the nature, importance, and duration of the communication at issue.

● In many circumstances, oral communication supplemented by gestures and visual aids, an exchange of written notes, use of a computer or typewriter, or use of an assistive listening device may be effective. In other circumstances, qualified sign language or oral interpreters are needed to communicate effectively with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The more lengthy, complex, and important the communication, the more likely it is that a qualified interpreter will be required for effective communication with a person whose primary means of communication is sign language or speech reading. For example:

– If there has been an incident and the officer is conducting witness interviews, a qualified sign language interpreter may be required to communicate effectively with someone whose primary means of communication is sign language.

– If a person is asking an officer for directions to a location, gestures and an exchange of written notes will likely be sufficient to communicate effectively and a sign language interpreter is often not required.

● To serve each individual effectively, primary consideration should be given to the communication aid or service that works best for that person. Officers must ask persons who are deaf or hard of hearing what type of auxiliary aid or service they need. Officers must defer to those expressed choices, unless there is another equally effective way of communicating, given the circumstances, length, complexity, and importance of the communication, as well as the communication skills of the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.

● The Agency is not required to provide a particular auxiliary aid or service if doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the law enforcement activity in question, or if it would cause an undue administrative or financial burden. Only the Agency head or his or her designee may make this determination. For example:

– If the Agency has limited financial resources and providing a particular auxiliary aid would cost a large sum of money, the Agency head may determine that it would be an undue financial burden (note: the Agency’s budget as a whole must be considered). In this situation, the most effective means of communication that does not involve an undue burden must be used.

● The input of people who are deaf or hard of hearing who are involved in incidents is just as important to the law enforcement process as the input of others. Officers must not draw conclusions about incidents unless they fully understand -- and are understood by -- all those involved, including persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

● People who are deaf or hard of hearing must never be charged for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service needed for effective communication.

ON-CALL INTERPRETIVE SERVICES

● The Agency will maintain a list of sign language and oral interpreting services that are available (on-call 24 hours per day) and willing to provide qualified interpreters as needed. Each of these services will be chosen after having been screened for the quality and skill of its interpreters, its reliability, and other factors such as cost. The Agency will update this list annually.

● A qualified sign language or oral interpreter is one who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Accordingly, an interpreter must be able to sign to the deaf individual (or interpret orally to the person who does not use sign language) what is being said by the hearing person and to voice to the hearing person what is being signed or said by the deaf individual. The interpreter must be able to interpret in the language the deaf person uses (e.g., American Sign Language or Signed English) and must be familiar with law enforcement terms and phrases. Because a qualified interpreter must be able to interpret impartially, a family member, child, or friend of the individual who is deaf may not be qualified to render the necessary interpretation because of factors such as professional, emotional, or personal involvement, or considerations of confidentiality. Additionally, although a “qualified” interpreter may be certified, a certified interpreter is not necessarily “qualified,” if he or she is not a good communications match for the deaf person (e.g., where the deaf person uses Signed English and the interpreter uses American Sign Language) or the situation (e.g., where the interpreter is unfamiliar with law enforcement vocabulary). Certification is not required in order for an interpreter to be “qualified.”

TTY AND RELAY SERVICES

● In situations when a nondisabled person would have access to a telephone, officers must provide persons who are deaf or hard of hearing the opportunity to place calls using a text telephone (TTY, also known as a telecommunications device for deaf people, or TDD). Officers must also accept telephone calls placed by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing through the Telecommunications Relay Service.

TECHNIQUES FOR OFFICERS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

● Officers must review and have a working knowledge of Guide for Law Enforcement Officers When In Contact With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This document reviews how officers should communicate effectively in the types of situations officers will encounter. These situations include:

– Issuing a noncriminal or motor vehicle citation.
– Communicating with a person who initiates contact with an officer.
– Interviewing a victim or critical witness to an incident.
– Questioning a person who is a suspect in a crime.
– Making an arrest or taking a person into custody.
– Issuing Miranda Warnings to a person under arrest or in custody.
– Interrogating a person under arrest or in custody.

TYPES OF AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES

● Officers must utilize the following auxiliary aids, when available, to communicate effectively:

– Use of gestures
– Use of visual aids
– Exchange of written notes
– Use of computers or typewriters
– Use of assistive listening devices
– Use of teletypewriters (TTY’s)
– Use of qualified oral or sign language interpreters

Attachment D to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

GUIDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

When In Contact With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

As a law enforcement officer, you can expect to come into contact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits State and local government from discriminating against an individual with a disability. Municipal and State police and county sheriff departments are bound by this Federal law. Your office has adopted a more detailed policy regarding law enforcement officers’ communication with people who are deaf of hard of hearing. You should become familiar with this policy.

What does title II require of you when interacting with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing? Among other things, your communication with such an individual must be as effective as your communication with hearing people.

How do you communicate? Provide aids or services as necessary to ensure that the deaf or hard of hearing individual understands what you are saying and that you understand him or her. These can include:

– use of qualified sign language or oral interpreters
– for people who are hard of hearing, speaking loudly and clearly, and use of assistive listening devices (to amplify sound)
– use of gestures or visual aids to supplement oral communication
– an exchange of written notes
– or use of a computer or typewriter.

What method of communication should you use? The law requires you to give primary consideration to the individual’s preference. Ask how the person wishes to communicate.

For example, some people who are deaf do not use sign language and may need to use a different aid or rely on lipreading. In one-on-one communication with an individual who lip reads, an officer should face the individual directly, and should ensure that the communication takes place in a well-lighted area.

Honor the individual’s choice unless it would significantly interfere with your law enforcement responsibilities or you are confident that other means of communicating, that may be easier to provide, are just as effective. Remember that deaf or hard of hearing persons must be able to understand you as well as those who do not have hearing impairments.

DO NOT ask a family member or friend to interpret for a deaf individual unless it is urgent to communicate immediately and that is the only option. If the deaf person requests that arrangement and the other person agrees, however, you can proceed.

How do you know when you are communicating clearly to an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing? Ask the person to summarize what you are saying. Test his or her understanding.

If the person uses sign language, what kinds of communication require an interpreter? Consider the length, importance, and complexity of the communication, as well as the context.

– In a simple encounter, such as checking a driver’s license or giving directions, a notepad and pencil or perhaps gestures will normally be sufficient.

– During interrogations and arrests, a sign language interpreter will often be necessary.

– If the legality of a conversation will be questioned in court, such as where Miranda warnings are issued, a sign language interpreter may be necessary. You should be careful about
misunderstandings in the absence of a qualified interpreter. A nod of the head may be an attempt to appear cooperative in the midst of misunderstanding, rather than consent or a confession of wrongdoing.

– In general, if an individual who does not have a hearing disability would be subject to police action without interrogation, then an interpreter will not be required, unless one is necessary to explain the action being taken.

Example: An officer clocks a car on the highway driving 15 miles above the speed limit. The driver, who is deaf, is pulled over and issued a noncriminal citation. The individual is able to understand the reasons for the citation, because the officer exchanges notes and points to information on the citation. A sign language interpreter is not needed.

Example: An officer responds to an aggravated battery call and upon arriving at the scene observes a bleeding victim and an individual holding a weapon. Eyewitnesses observed the individual strike the victim. The individual with the weapon is deaf, but the officer has probable cause to make a felony arrest without an interrogation. An interpreter is not necessary to carry out the arrest.

Example: An officer responds to the scene of a domestic disturbance. The husband says the wife has been beating their children and he has been trying to restrain her. The wife, who is deaf, requests an interpreter. The officer begins by exchanging notes but the woman’s responses indicate a lack of comprehension and poor grammar. An interpreter is necessary to carry out any arrest. In this situation, it would be inappropriate to use a family member to assist with communication, even if it is offered.

Do you have to take a sign language interpreter to a call about a violent crime in progress or a similar urgent situation involving a person who is deaf? No. An officer's immediate priority is to stabilize the situation. If the person being arrested is deaf, the officer can make an arrest and call for an interpreter to be available later at the booking station.

Contact numbers for your local sign language interpreters:

Attachment E to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

ROCKY FORK ACTIVITY CENTER
North Shore Drive, Hillsboro

1. ENTRANCE

a. The entrance is inaccessible because there is greater than a ½ inch change in level at the threshold to the door. Provide an accessible door with a threshold that is no greater than ¼ inch, or is no greater than ½ inch and is beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.

2. ROUTE

a. The route from the entrance to the polling area is inaccessible because the carpet is not securely attached. Provide at least one accessible route connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

GREENFIELD CHURCH OF CHRIST
955 Jefferson Street, Greenfield

3. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

4. ENTRANCE

a. The entrance is inaccessible because there is greater than a ½ inch change in level at the threshold to the door. Provide an accessible door with a threshold that is no greater than ¼ inch, or is no greater than ½ inch and is beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.

LEESBURG VILLAGE OFFICE BUILDING
57 South Fairfield Street

5. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

6. RAMP

a. The ramp to the entrance of the building is inaccessible because there are no accessible handrails and no extensions. Provide handrails that are between 1¼ inches and 1½ inches in diameter with a continuous gripping surface along both sides of the ramp, extending at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp parallel with the ground surface. Ensure that handrails are mounted between 34 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface, with ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall, or post, and that they do not rotate within their fittings. Standards § 4.8.5.

b. The ramp is inaccessible because there is no edge protection. Provide edge protection at least 2 inches high at the drop off sides. Standards § 4.8.7.

7. ENTRANCE

a. The main entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

LYNCHBURG CITY BUILDING
155 South Main Street

8. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

9. EXTERIOR ROUTE

a. The route from the parking area to the building is inaccessible. Provide at least one accessible route that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

10. ENTRANCE

a. The entrance door is inaccessible because there is a step to get into the building. Provide a designated accessible entrance that has a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop; that has either an automatic door operator or clear and level maneuvering clearance that complies fully with Fig. 25; and that has a threshold not exceeding ½ inch in height and beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Ensure that all hardware and operating devices have shapes that are easy to grasp with one hand and do not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate; and that they are mounted no higher than 48 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.13, Figs. 24, 25.

11. INTERIOR ROUTE

a. The route from the entrance to the voting area is inaccessible. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

HOPEWELL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
5350 New Market Road

12. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

13. RAMP

a. The ramp is inaccessible because there are no accessible handrails and there is a one inch change in level at the bottom of the ramp. Provide a ramp with handrails that are between 1¼ inches and 1½ inches in diameter with a continuous gripping surface along both sides of the ramp, extending at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp parallel with the ground surface. Ensure that handrails are mounted between 34 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface, with ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall, or post, and that they do not rotate within their fittings. Ensure also that there are no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically. Standards §§ 4.8.5, 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

HAMER TOWNSHIP BUILDING
4844 State Route 138

14. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

15. ENTRANCE

a. The main standard door entrance is inaccessible because there is a change in level at the threshold to the door, and the entrance to the bay doors are inaccessible because there is a change in level greater than 2 inches. Provide an accessible door to the voting area with a threshold that is no greater than ¼ inch, or is no greater than ½ inch and is beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.

MOWRYSTOWN FIRE STATION
50 Maple Street

16. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

17. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

a. The route from the parking area to the bay doors is inaccessible because of gravel and a 1 inch lip at the low end of the curb cut. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a minimum clear headroom of 80 inches; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP BUILDING
2024 State Route 73

18. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

MADISON TOWNSHIP BUILDING
12646 Centerfield Road, Greenfield

19. PARKING

a. There are no standard designated accessible spaces or van accessible spaces provided. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance (while the building is used as a polling place) provide 1 van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. Provide a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that it cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

Attachment G to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

Attachment I to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

Modifications to Newly Constructed Facilities

Newly Constructed Facilities: In order to ensure that the following spaces and elements in County facilities, for which construction was commenced after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, the County will take the following actions within two years of the effective date of this Agreement:

JUSTICE CENTER

130 Homestead Avenue, Hillsboro, Ohio - construction completed in 2003

1. PARKING

a. The designated accessible parking spots do not have signage identifying them as accessible. Provide all spaces designated as reserved for people with disabilities with vertical signs having the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Van accessible spaces shall have an additional "Van-Accessible" sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

2. ENTRANCE

a. There is no sign to designate the accessible entrance. Provide accessible, directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible entrances directing users to the accessible entrance, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all permanent accessible entrances. Standards §§ 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.3(16)(b), 4.13, 4.30.

3. MEN’S TOILET ROOM - SHERIFF’S OFFICE AREA

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

4. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM - SHERIFF’S OFFICE AREA

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

5. UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM - 9-1-1 CENTER AREA

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

b. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.1.3(12)(a), 4.25.2, 4.25.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

6. MEN’S TOILET ROOM - MUNICIPAL SECTION AREA

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

c. No accessible mirror has been provided. Provide a mirror with the bottom edge of its reflecting surface no more than 40 inches above the finished floor. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.6.

7. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM - MUNICIPAL SECTION AREA

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

8. COURT ROOM

a. The entrance to the witness stand is inaccessible because it is only 29 ½ inches wide. Provide an accessible route to the witness stand with a minimum clear width of 36 inches. Standards §§ 4.1.3(1), 4.3.3.

9. UNISEX TOILET ROOM - EMPLOYEE ADMINISTRATIVE AREA

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

10. INTAKE/RELEASE AREA - DETOX CELL

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

b. There is no rear grab bar. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.

c. There is no side grab bar. Provide a side grab bar that is at least 42 inches in overall length, with the far end mounted at least 54 inches from the rear wall and the closer end 12 inches or less from the rear wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as the toilet paper dispenser. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.

11. INTAKE/RELEASE AREA - “CHARGE-A-CALL” TELEPHONE

a. The highest operating part of the telephone is more than 54 above the finished floor. Provide an accessible telephone with a clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches that allows either a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair such that bases, enclosures, and fixed seats do not impede approaches to the telephone; with the highest operable part of the telephone mounted no more than 48 inches above the floor for a front approach or no more than 54 inches above the floor for a side approach; that are hearing aid compatible and have a volume control mechanism; with telephone books, if provided, located between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor for a front approach or between 9 and 54 inches above the finished floor for a side approach; and with a cord of at least 29 inches long from the telephone to the handset. Standards §§ 4.1.3(17), 4.31.

b. Although there is a telephone provided, a TTY is not provided. Provide at least one accessible public TTY with appropriate signage. Standards §§ 4.1.3(17)(c)(i), 4.30.7(3), 4.31.9.

12. INTAKE/RELEASE AREA - INMATE SHOWER/DRESS-OUT

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

13. INTAKE/RELEASE AREA - INMATE DRESS-OUT TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is not accessible. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

c. The paper towels are inaccessible because the controls are mounted at 56 inches above the finished floor. Provide a paper towel dispenser with the controls a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.1.3(13), 4.27.2, 4.27.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, Fig. 4.

d. The rear grab bar at the toilet is inaccessible because its overall length is 30 inches. Provide a rear grab bar that is as close as possible to 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.

14. CELL # 1

a. No accessible mirror has been provided. Provide a mirror with the bottom edge of its reflecting surface no more than 40 inches above the finished floor. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.6.

b. There is no side grab bar. Provide a side grab bar that is at least 40 inches in overall length, with the far end mounted at least 54 inches from the rear wall and the closer end 12 inches or less from the rear wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as the toilet paper dispenser. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.17.6, 4.26.2, Fig. 30.

c. There is no rear grab bar. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.17.6, 4.26.2, Fig. 30.

d. The toilet is inaccessible because the top of the seat is 20 inches above the finished floor. Provide a toilet with a seat that measures 17 to 19 inches above the finished floor. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.16.3, 4.17.2, Fig. 30(d).

e. There is no shower seat. Provide a shower in this room that is exactly 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep with a 48 inch long and 36 inch wide clear floor space alongside the shower opening, and an L-shaped shower seat mounted on the wall opposite the controls and extending the full depth of the stall; OR a shower that is at least 30 inches deep and 60 inches wide with no curb or threshold and with a 36 inch deep and 60 inch wide clear floor space at the shower opening. Ensure that the shower has grab bars, controls, a shower spray unit, and a seat, curb, and enclosure, if provided, that comply fully with the Standards and with Figs. 35, 36, and 37, as applicable. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.21, Figs. 35, 36, 37.

15. AFTER HOURS/VISITATION - PUBLIC AREA

a. The service counter is 43 ½ inches high. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards §§ 4.1.1(2), 7.2(2), 4.1.3(1), 4.3.

16. PUBLIC PAY TELEPHONE - PUBLIC AREA

a. The coin slot is 59 inches above the finished floor and the telephone is inset 11 ½ inches into the wall. Provide an accessible telephone with a clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches that allows either a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair such that bases, enclosures, and fixed seats do not impede approaches to the telephone; with the highest operable part of the telephone mounted no more than 46 inches above the floor for a front approach or no more than 52 inches above the floor for a side approach; that are hearing aid compatible and have a volume control mechanism; with telephone books, if provided, located between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor for a front approach or between 9 and 54 inches above the finished floor for a side approach; and with a cord of at least 29 inches long from the telephone to the handset. Standards §§ 4.1.3(17), 4.31.

17. MEN’S PUBLIC AREA TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

18. WOMEN’S PUBLIC AREA TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

Attachment J to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

Modifications to Altered Facilities

Altered Facilities: In order to ensure that the following spaces and elements in County facilities, for which alterations commenced after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, the County will take the following actions within two years of the effective date of this Agreement:

HIGHLAND COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES (TECH CENTER) -
1575 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio - renovated in 1995

1. PARKING

a. Although the parking lot has a total of 206 parking spaces and six parking spaces designated as reserved for people with disabilities, there is no van accessible parking space. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance, provide at least one van accessible space designated as reserved for people with disabilities. Van accessible spaces shall be a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by access aisles at least 96 inches wide. All spaces designated as reserved for people with disabilities shall have vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. Van accessible spaces shall have an additional "Van-Accessible" sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

2. TITLE OFFICE

a. The service counter is 40 inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards §§ 4.1.1(2), 4.1.6(1)(b), 7.2(2), 4.1.3(1), 4.3.

3. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

a. The pressure required to open the door is 10 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards §§ 4.1.3(7)(b), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.13.11(2)(b).

4. MEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

b. The toilet is inaccessible because the flush control is on the closed side of the stall. Provide a flush control mounted on the "open" side of the toilet's clear floor space; 44 inches or less above the finished floor; and requiring a maximum of 5 pounds of force to operate; or provide an automatic flush device. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.22.4, 4.16.5, 4.17.2, 4.27.4.

c. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.1.3(12)(a), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.25.2, 4.25.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

d. The baby changing station is inaccessible because it is too high above the finished floor when open. Provide a baby changing station that is 28 to 34 inches above the finished floor when opened. Standards § 4.32.4.

5. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The lavatory is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Provide hot water and drain pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against contact. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.22.6, 4.19.4.

b. The baby changing station is inaccessible because it is too high above the finished floor when open. Provide a baby changing station that is 28 to 34 inches above the finished floor when opened. Standards § 4.32.4.

c. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.1.3(12)(a), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.25.2, 4.25.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

6. DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN HALLWAY

a. Although a wheelchair accessible drinking fountain is provided, there is no drinking fountain provided for people who have difficulty bending or stooping. For each accessible drinking fountain, provide a drinking fountain that is accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. This can be accommodated by the use of a "hi-lo" fountain; by providing one fountain accessible to those who use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard height convenient for those who have difficulty bending; by providing a fountain accessible to people who use wheelchairs and a cup dispenser, or by such other means as would achieve the required accessibility for each group of people. Standards §§ 4.1.3(10)(a), 4.1.6(1)(b),.

HIGHLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE (ALTERED SECTION)
105 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio - alterations completed in 2003

7. TOILET ROOMS FOR LAW LIBRARY AND COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

a. There is no signage directing people with disabilities to the accessible portions of the building, to the accessible toilet rooms and to the accessible route to the Court of Common Pleas. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible portions of the building (stairwells, etc.) and inaccessible toilet rooms indicating the location of the elevator, accessible route and nearest accessible toilet room, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii), 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, 4.30.5, 4.30.7.

8. MEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards §§ 4.1.3(7)(b), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.13.9.

9. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards §§ 4.1.3(7)(b), 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.13.9.

Attachment K to Settlement Agreement between
the United States of America and the Highland County, Ohio in DJ # 204-58-205

Please Note: Paragraph 50 of the Agreement requires that within three months of the effective date of this Agreement, the County will provide signage as necessary to comply with 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), after having surveyed all facilities that are the subject of this Agreement for the purpose of identifying those that have multiple entrances not all of which are accessible.

1. The technical requirements and, where appropriate, the scoping requirements of the Standards are used as a guide for determining whether a program or activity held in an existing facility is “readily accessible to and usable by” persons with disabilities and for determining what changes are necessary to make this program or activity accessible if it continues to be provided in the existing facility in question. See 28 C.F.R. §§ 35.150(b)(1), 35.151.

2. In order to ensure that each of the County’s programs, services, and activities operating at a facility that is the subject of this Agreement, when viewed in its entirety, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the County will take the following actions within two years of the effective date of this Agreement:

HIGHLAND COUNTY ANNEX
135 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio - constructed prior to January 26, 1992, no alterations.

3. ENTRANCE

a. The double-leaf entrance door is inaccessible because each leaf provides a clear opening width of 26 inches and there is no automatic door opener. Provide a designated accessible entrance that has at least one active leaf with a minimum 32 inch clear opening width with the door open 90 degrees, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop; that has either an automatic door operator or clear and level maneuvering clearance that complies fully with Fig. 25; and that has a threshold not exceeding ½ inch in height and beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. All hardware and operating devices shall have shapes that are easy to grasp with one hand and do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate, and that they are mounted no higher than 48 inches above the finished floor. Standards §§ 4.1.3(7)(a), 4.13, Figs. 24, 25.

b. The route from the parking lot to the entrance of the building is inaccessible because the ramp’s slope is 1:11 and there are no handrails provided. Provide a ramp that is at least 36 inches wide and has a slope not exceeding 1:12 and a cross slope not exceeding 1:50. Provide level landings at the top and bottom of the ramp that are at least as wide as the ramp and at least 60 inches long. If the ramp changes direction, provide a level landing measuring at least 60 inches by 60 inches at the change in direction. On both sides of the ramp, provide handrails between 1¼ inches and 1½ inches in diameter with a continuous gripping surface. Ensure that the handrails extend at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp parallel with the ground surface, that they are mounted between 34 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface, that they will not rotate within their fittings, and that they have ends that are rounded or return smoothly to floor, wall, or post. Provide edge protection that is at least 2 inches high at the ramp’s drop off sides. Ensure that the ramp and its level landing at the top and bottom are designed and maintained so that water does not accumulate on walking surfaces. Standards §§ 4.3.8, 4.8.

c. The entrance door is inaccessible because there is no level landing at the door. Provide an accessible door with a threshold that is no greater than ¼ inch, or is no greater than ½ inch and is beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.

d. As an alternative to paragraphs a - c (above), design and implement a policy for providing access to the programs in the building, and provide documentation of this policy to the Department within three months of the effective date of this agreement. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150.

4. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICE

a. The service counter is inaccessible because it is 46 inches above the finished floor and 11 inches deep. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

5. MEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room is inaccessible. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible toilet rooms directing users to the accessible toilet rooms and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.

b. The pressure required to open the door is 13 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

6. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room is inaccessible. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible toilet rooms directing users to the accessible toilet rooms and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.

b. The pressure required to open the door is 11 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

c. The toilet room contains a number of inaccessible elements and is not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible toilet room such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29.

7. DRINKING FOUNTAIN

a. The spout height is 39 inches above the finished floor. Provide at least one drinking fountain with a spout height no higher than 36 inches, measured from the finished floor or ground surface to the spout outlet; and a spout located at the front of the unit that directs the water flow in a trajectory that is nearly parallel to the front of the unit and is positioned so the flow of water is within 3 inches of the front edge of the fountain and at least 4 inches high. Ensure that fountain controls are operable with one hand, require 5 lb of pressure or less to operate without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and are front mounted or side mounted near the front edge. For each accessible drinking fountain, provide a drinking fountain that is accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. This can be accommodated by the use of a "hi-lo" fountain; by providing one fountain accessible to those who use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard height convenient for those who have difficulty bending; by providing a fountain accessible to people who use wheelchairs and a cup dispenser; or by such other means as would achieve the required accessibility for each group of people. Standards §§ 4.15, 4.27.4, Fig. 27.

HIGHLAND COUNTY COURT HOUSE
105 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio - constructed prior to January 26, 1992, no alterations.

8. MAIN ENTRANCE

a. The entrance door is inaccessible because latch hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards §§ 4.13.9.

9. COMMON PLEAS COURTROOM

a. There is no sign to designate the accessible entrance. Provide accessible, directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible entrances directing users to the accessible entrance, and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all permanent accessible entrances. Standards §§ 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.3(16)(b), 4.13, 4.30.

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because latch hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards §§ 4.13.9.

c. As an alternative to paragraphs a -b (above), design and implement a policy for providing access to the programs in the room, and provide documentation of this policy to the Department within three months of the effective date of this agreement. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150.

10. PROBATE COURT OFFICE

a. The service counter is 43 inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards §§ 7.2(2).

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

11. JUVENILE COURT OFFICE

a. The service counter is 43 ½ inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

12. MEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room is inaccessible. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible toilet rooms directing users to the accessible toilet rooms and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.

b. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

13. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room is inaccessible. Provide accessible directional signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at inaccessible toilet rooms directing users to the accessible toilet rooms and provide accessible signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility at all accessible toilet rooms. Standards §§ 4.1.2(7)(d), 4.30.

b. The toilet room sign is not on the wall to the latch side of the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

c. No accessible coat hook has been provided. Provide a coat hook at a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

d. The feminine-products dispenser is inaccessible because the controls are mounted at 51 ½ inches above the finished floor and is obstructed 22 inches by the toilet. Provide a feminine-products dispenser with the controls a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.27.2, 4.27.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.

14. CLERK OF COURT

a. The service counter is 41 ½ inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

c. As an alternative to paragraph b (above), design and implement a policy for providing access to the programs in the room, and provide documentation of this policy to the Department within three months of the effective date of this agreement. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150.

15. JUVENILE COURT

a. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

16. CONFERENCE ROOM

a. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

PROSECUTORS OFFICE
112 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, Ohio - constructed prior to January 26, 1992, no alterations.

17. PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

a. The room sign is on the door. Install a sign, using raised characters and Braille, on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door so that the centerline of the sign is 60 inches above the ground and so that a person can approach to within 3 inches of the signage without encountering obstructions or standing within a door swing. §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6.

b. The pressure required to open the door is 13 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

18. MEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The pressure required to open the door is 13 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

c. The rear grab bar at the toilet is inaccessible because its overall length is 30 inches. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.22.4, 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.

19. WOMEN’S TOILET ROOM

a. The toilet room sign is on the door. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The pressure required to open the door is 13 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

c. The lavatory area is inaccessible because some of the dispensers are obstructed by the trash can. Provide all controls a maximum height above the finished floor of 48 inches for a forward approach or 54 inches for a side approach and that is accompanied by clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches that allows a forward or parallel approach by a person using a wheelchair. Standards §§ 4.27.2, 4.27.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, Fig. 4.

d. The rear grab bar at the toilet is inaccessible because its overall length is 30 inches. Provide a rear grab bar that is at least 36 inches in overall length, with the closer end no more than 6 inches from the side wall; mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor; with a diameter between 1¼ and 1½ inches; with 1½ inches between the grab bar and the wall; and at least 1½ inches between the grab bar and any other object, such as a toilet seat cover dispenser. Standards §§ 4.22.4, 4.16.4, 4.26.2, Fig. 29.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
114 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, Ohio - constructed prior to January 26, 1992, no alterations.

20. PARKING

a. Although the parking lot has approximately 10 total parking spaces, the designated accessible parking space is not accessible because the sign can be obscured, there is no access aisle, no accessible route to the rear (designated accessible) entrance because a person has to use the roadway and there are many potholes, and the slope is an average of 1:11. On the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance, provide at least 1 van accessible space reserved for people with disabilities. Ensure that the van accessible space is a minimum of 96 inches wide and served by an access aisle at least 96 inches wide. At all spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities, provide vertical signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility located such that they cannot be obstructed by parked vehicles. At the van accessible space, provide an additional “Van-Accessible” sign located below the International Symbol of Accessibility. Ensure that all spaces and access aisles for persons with disabilities are flat and level, with slopes and cross-slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and that their surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6, 4.30.7(1).

21. ENTRANCE

a. The route from the accessible parking area to the designated accessible entrance is inaccessible because it is in a dangerous alley without a surface that is smooth and stable. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

b. The entrance door is inaccessible because there is a 1 inch threshold. Provide an accessible door with a threshold that is no greater than ¼ inch, or is no greater than ½ inch and is beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Standards §§ 4.13.8, 4.5.2.

22. UNISEX TOILET ROOM

a. The pressure required to open the door is 16 pounds. Provide a door that requires no more than 5 pounds of force to open or close. Standards § 4.13.11(2)(b).

b. The toilet room sign is centered at 57 ½ inches. Provide a toilet room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

c. No accessible mirror has been provided. Provide a mirror with the bottom edge of its reflecting surface no more than 40 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.19.6.

23. DRINKING FOUNTAIN

a. The spout height is 41 inches above the finished floor. Provide at least one drinking fountain with a spout height no higher than 36 inches, measured from the finished floor or ground surface to the spout outlet; and a spout located at the front of the unit that directs the water flow in a trajectory that is nearly parallel to the front of the unit and is positioned so the flow of water is within 3 inches of the front edge of the fountain and at least 4 inches high. Ensure that fountain controls are operable with one hand, require 5 lbf or less to operate without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and are front mounted or side mounted near the front edge. For each accessible drinking fountain, provide a drinking fountain that is accessible to people who have difficulty bending or stooping. This can be accommodated by the use of a "hi-lo" fountain; by providing one fountain accessible to those who use wheelchairs and one fountain at a standard height convenient for those who have difficulty bending; by providing a fountain accessible to people who use wheelchairs and a cup dispenser; or by such other means as would achieve the required accessibility for each group of people. Standards §§ 4.15, 4.27.4, Fig. 27.

24. ELEVATOR

a. The elevator is inaccessible because its highest interior floor button is 52 inches above the finished floor and accessed by a front approach only, and the alarm button is 58 inches above the finished floor. Provide car control buttons that are at least ¾ inch in their smallest dimension and are raised or flush and that are designated by Braille and by raised standard alphabet characters for letters, arabic characters for numerals, or standard symbols. Ensure that the call button for the main entry floor is designated by a raised star at the left of the floor designation; that all raised designations for control buttons are placed immediately to the left of the buttons to which they apply; that floor buttons are provided with visual indicators to show when each call is registered and are extinguished when each call is answered; that all floor buttons are no higher than 54 inches above the finished floor for a side approach and no more than 48 inches above the finished floor for a front approach; and that emergency controls, including the emergency alarm and emergency stop, are grouped at the bottom of the panel and have their centerlines no less than 35 inches above the finished floor. Standards § 4.10.12, Fig. 23.

b. The elevator is inaccessible because the cab measures 43 inches by 72 inches. Provide an elevator with a cab that is a minimum of 51 inches deep from the back wall of the cab to the control panel and 54 inches deep from the back wall of the cab to the face of the door; that, if the doors are centered on the wall, is at least 80 inches wide and, if the doors are located to one side of the wall, is at least 68 inches wide. Ensure that the door opening is at least 36 inches wide, and that floor surfaces are firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Standards §§ 4.10.9, 4.10.10, Fig. 22.

c. As an alternative to paragraphs a - b (above), design and implement a policy for providing access to the programs accessed by elevator, and provide documentation of this policy to the Department within three months of the effective date of this agreement. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150.

25. AUDITOR’S OFFICE

a. The service counter is 43 ½ inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

26. TREASURER’S OFFICE

a. The service counter is inaccessible. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

27. MAP OFFICE

a. The service counter is inaccessible. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

28. RECORDER OFFICE

a. The service counter is inaccessible. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

THIRD FLOOR

29. EXTENSION OFFICE

a. The service counter is inaccessible. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

30. COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

a. The room sign is mounted on the door. Provide a room sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility and raised and Braille characters. The sign shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door with the centerline of the sign at 60 inches above the finished floor and situated such that a person can approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering an obstruction or standing within a door swing. Standards §§ 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6, 4.30.7.

b. The service counter is 39 ½ inches above the finished floor. Provide a counter on an accessible route such that a portion of the counter is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches above the finished floor, or provide an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches in close proximity to the main counter, or provide equivalent facilitation. Equivalent facilitation may be provided in the form of a folding shelf attached to the main counter, an auxiliary table nearby, a clip board made available to the public, or other means. Standards § 7.2(2).

HIGHLAND COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
9357 State Route 124, Hillsboro, Ohio - constructed prior to January 26, 1992, no alterations.

31. UNISEX TOILET ROOM

a. The entrance door is inaccessible because knob hardware is used. Provide a door with hardware that is easy to grasp with one hand and that does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Standards § 4.13.9.

b. The toilet is inaccessible because the flush control is on the closed side. Provide a flush control mounted on the "open" side of the toilet's clear floor space; 44 inches or less above the finished floor; and requiring a maximum of 5 pounds of force to operate; or provide an automatic flush device. Standards § 4.22.4, 4.16.5, 4.17.2, 4.27.4.

c. The toilet room contains a number of inaccessible elements and is not accessible to people with disabilities. Provide an accessible toilet room such that all of the room’s elements, including signage, door, door hardware, clear floor space, water closet, urinal (if provided), grab bars, lavatory, mirror, controls, and dispensers, comply with the Standards. Standards §§ 4.13, 4.16, 4.18, 4.19, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30, Figs. 28, 29.

32. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

a. There is no accessible route between the cages. Provide at least one accessible route within the boundary of the site connecting these elements that, to the maximum extent feasible, coincides with the route for the general public. The accessible route must have a minimum clear width of 36 inches, or a minimum clear width of 42 inches if there is a turn around an obstruction less than 48 inches wide; have passing spaces at least 60 inches by 60 inches at least every 200 feet; have a surface that is firm, stable, and slip resistant; have, in the absence of a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or platform lift, no level changes in excess of ½ inch vertically; and have a running slope of less than 1:20 (5%) (or have been constructed as a fully accessible ramp) and a cross slope of less than 1:50 (2%). Standards §§ 4.1.3(1), 4.3, 4.5, Fig. 7.

b. As an alternative to paragraph a (above), design and implement a policy for providing access to the programs in the room, and provide documentation of this policy to the Department within three months of the effective date of this agreement. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150.