I just came across this and thought it may be of interest.
Regards,
Jamal
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1998
(202) 616-2765
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
TEXAS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ITS EMPLOYEES,
UNDER JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AGREEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Texas Commission for the Blind (TCB) will no longer
allegedly discriminate against employees with vision impairments, under an
agreement signed today with the Justice Department.
This is the first time the Department has used formal out-of-court mediation to
resolve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims after finding alleged
discrimination but prior to litigation.
"Today's agreement demonstrates what an effective tool mediation can be in
resolving civil rights cases," said Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant Attorney
General for Civil Rights. "By implementing the agreed upon changes, the Texas
Commission for the Blind has taken a significant step towards ensuring full and
fair employment opportunities for people with vision impairments."
Under the agreement, TCB will:
* ensure that all employee manuals, training information, and other printed
materials are provided in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print,
computer disc) to its employees with vision impairments;
* designate an ADA Coordinator to handle disability discrimination complaints,
and refer to independent mediation those that cannot be resolved;
* evaluate the accommodation needs of employees on a timely basis, and ensure
that necessary equipment is acquired quickly;
* train all current and future employees concerning the rights and needs of
people with disabilities; and,
* pay $50,000 to the original complainant and $5,000 to another former employee
who was the subject of discrimination.
In addition, as a result of the Department's investigation, TCB reinstated a
third former employee who alleged discrimination. Prior to the mediation, TCB
had already initiated several of the actions required by the agreement.
The agreement resolves allegations that TCB, a state agency that provides
employment and rehabilitation services to people with vision impairments,
violated the ADA by failing to provide reasonable accommodations to its own
employees with vision impairments.
Several employees complained that TCB had failed to provide reasonable
accommodations, including lack of access to essential employee manuals in a
format accessible to them. Another employee complained that TCB harassed her
because of her disability and unlawfully discharged her from her position.
In May of 1997, the Justice Department initially found that TCB's employment
practices were allegedly in violation of the ADA. Because TCB had made
significant changes since the Justice Department's finding, the Department
referred the matter to formal mediation with an independent mediator for final
resolution.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits
discrimination in all state and local government activities, including
employment.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or today's agreement can
call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383/TDD
or access the ADA home page at:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
###
98-602
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End of Documen
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