From Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City of Pinson have reached a comprehensive settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to city facilities and programs, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey.
The agreement, which went into effect Monday, resolves a number of complaints filed by a Pinson resident who claimed that various city facilities and programs were inaccessible to individuals with mobility impairments, in violation of the ADA.
At last week’s council meeting, Mayor Hoyt Sanders said the city had been working with U.S. Attorney’s office to make Pinson’s facilities ADA compliant. City Attorney Shane Black said the city has been working to make the facilities accessible to those with disabilities and has begun scheduling to further a plan.
“The City of Pinson cooperated with our office to work out a solution that resolves these alleged ADA violations,” Posey said. “With this agreement, Pinson commits to ensuring that individuals with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to access and participate in their city government’s programs.”
As a public entity subject to the requirements of Title II of the ADA, Pinson must ensure that its facilities and programs are readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes ensuring that all new construction and alterations to buildings or facilities meet the physical accessibility requirements of Title II. Title II also requires that a public entity make participation in it services, programs and activities available to any qualified individual, regardless of a disability.
Facilities to be modified will be City Hall, Pinson Public Library, community center, Palmerdale Homestead Community Center and the Pinson athletic fields.
3 Comments
Jill Bennett Bearden
The pest that filed the lawsuit likes to act like he is an advocate for the disabled. He has a vendetta against the city. If he was really a concerned advocate he would go to Clay, Center Point, Trussville, Oneonta to promote his cause. He does not even live in Pinson. I feel sorry for his grandkids in the school systems. Everyone knows who the pest is. So do not believe he cares one iota when he has not gone to any other community to see if everything is compliant. He made a complaint about a Girl Scout troop selling cookies in a spot he thought was not handicap accessible. Which it was. Just because it was on City property.
Ron Hyche
The Triangle Park was not handicapped accessible. It is addressed in the complaint. Go by City Hall and pick up a copy of what went into effect on Monday, 6-05-2017. I have lived in Pinson for more than 38 years. How many years have you lived in Pinson? Before you comment on the article make sure you know what you are talking about instead of what you think it may be. In other words get all your facts straight.
Ron Hyche
Jill Bennett Bearden,The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities can get from A to B in public facilities and public events just like everyone else.