ADA Complaint Procedures
About
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Phoenix does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
This grievance procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Oversight of compliance activities is the responsibility of the Equal Opportunity Department (“EOD”).
Complaint Process
When any person believes that the City of Phoenix has violated Title II Title III of the ADA by denying access to its programs, services, and activities based on a disability, a complaint may be filed with EOD.
Deadline: Any Complaint alleging a violation of the ADA should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than one hundred eighty days (180) after the alleged violation or incident to the City of Phoenix ADA Coordinator through the online portal, at ada@phoenix.gov, or 200 West Washington, EOD, 15th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Alternative means of filing Complaints, such as personal interviews, will be made available upon request.
Complaint Information: The Complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged violation or incident discrimination, including the location, date, and description of the incident(s). The Complaint must also contain the contact information of the Complainant or their designee, including name, address, phone number, or other preferred communication method.
Initial Review: The ADA Coordinator or their designee will conduct an initial review of all Complaints. If the ADA Coordinator determines that the Complaint fails to meet any of the requirements listed above or fails to state a violation of the ADA, the Complaint will be closed with notification being provided to the Complainant or their designee in writing via the preferred communication method. Where verbal communication is the preferred method, a follow-up written communication will provided.
Investigation and Resolution: Within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of a Complaint that alleges an ADA violation, the ADA Coordinator or their designee will contact the Complainant or their designee to discuss the Complaint. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of the ADA Coordinator or their designee either having that initial contact or being provided with all requested information from the Complainant, the ADA Coordinator or their designee will send a written Response via the Complainant’s preferred communication method. Where verbal communication is the preferred method, a follow-up written communication will provided. The Response will explain the City’s position and may offer options for resolution of the Complaint.
Appeal Process
Deadline: If the ADA Coordinator’s Response does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the Complainant or their designee may appeal the decision to the EOD Director (“Director”) within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the Response.
Appeal Information: Any Appeal should be in writing with a detailed explanation of what is being appealed and why.
Appeal Resolution: Within thiry (30) calendar days after receipt of an Appeal, the Director or their designee will make a final determination based upon a review of the information presented in the complaint and appeal. There may be circumstances when the Director contacts the Complainant to discuss the Appeal. The Director or their designee will send an Appeal Resolution of the Complaint in writing via the Complainant’s preferred communication method. Where verbal communication is the preferred method, a follow-up written communication will provided.
Complaint Closure
Complaints may be closed at any point during the process if (1) the ADA Coordinator or Director determine that the Complaint does not confirm a violation of the ADA or (2) the Complainant becomes non-responsive to requests for additional information from the ADA Coordinator or the Director.
Types of Grievances
Employment
If a complaint is about an ADA Title I or Arizona Fair Employment and Housing Act employment violation, the ACP will consult with the City of Phoenix’s Equal Opportunity Department Compliance and Enforcement Division and will formally acknowledge receipt of the complaint. The City of Phoenix’s A.R. 2.35 (PDF) governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination by City employees.
Digital and Website Accessibility
The City of Phoenix is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. The City of Phoenix strives to meet level AA of conformance of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2). Please contact us with if you encounter website accessibility barriers.
City-owned or City-leased Buildings or Facilities
If the complaint is about a City-owned or City leased building or facility, the ACP will investigate and will formally acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the complainant within fifteen (15) calendar days.
Privately Owned Buildings or Facilities
If a complaint is about inaccessibility to a privately owned building or facility, the ACP will forward the complaint to the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department (PDD) for investigation and will formally acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the complainant within seven (7) calendar days.