Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

The ADA and Announcements
(Department of Environmental Protection, excerpts)

The ADA is a federal law designed to remove barriers that deny qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to share in and contribute to the vitality of life. Title II of the ADA prohibits state or local governments from discriminating against persons with disabilities in providing programs, activities, and services. Management Directive 205.26 is utilized to implement Title II of the ADA on a state and local level. Part of the Department's obligation under the foregoing is to ensure that all members of the public, regardless of disability, have an equal opportunity to participate in Department programs.

In order to comply with Title II of the ADA, the following language should be used in all announcements of public meetings where a citizen would like to appear in order to participate or avail him/herself of a government program, benefit or service:

"Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act should contact [name] at [phone number] or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the Department may accommodate your needs."

The contact person given in the announcement should be a person who in most cases can actually make the decision on the requested accommodation.