The City of Jacksonville has adopted a grievance procedure for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the United States Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Title II states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination" in programs, services or activities sponsored by a public entity.

Complaints should be addressed to: ADA Coordinator, Disabled Services Division, 117 W. Duval Street, Suite 205, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (Telephone: 630-4940; TTY: 630-4933; Fax: 630-3476).

1) A complaint should be filed in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.

2) A complaint should be filed within 30 days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.

3) An investigation shall be conducted by the Disabled Services Division's Chief, as appropriate.  These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigation, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.

4) A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the coordinator, and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than 30 days after its filing.

5) The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the files and records of the City of Jacksonville relating to the complaints filed.

6) The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in writing in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution.  The request for reconsideration should be made within 15 days to: Grievance Appeals Committee, 117 W. Duval Street, Suite 205, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.  This committee shall consist of members of the Mayor's Disability Council's Grievance Subcommittee and members of the Affirmative Action Advisory Council.

7) The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency.  Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

8) These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that the City of Jacksonville complies with the ADA and implementing regulations.