ADA Office

The mission of the ADA Office is to work toward a universally-designed environment that makes it easy for all people, regardless of disability, to participate fully in community life. This mission echoes the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is the policy of the City of Schenectady to provide equal access to all City sponsored services, programs and activities for citizens, visitors and employees with disabilities.  The City of Schenectady will work to assure the advancement of legal rights and the promotion of maximum opportunities, accommodations and accessibility for all citizens.

NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Schenectady will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the City's services, programs, activities, or employment practices.

The City will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services, unless to do so would result in a fundamental alteration of its programs or an undue administrative or financial burden.

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA.

Complaints that a City program, service, or activity is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the City ADA Coordinator.

CITY OF SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE UNDER
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Grievance Procedure  

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City. The City's Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints will be made available for persons with disabilities upon their request.

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee no later than 60 calendar days after he/she becomes aware of the alleged violations to:

ADA Coordinator
Room 14, City Hall

105 Jay Street

Schenectady, NY 12305

Phone: (518) 382-5147

Fax : (518) 382-5275

email:  ayusufi@schenectadyny.gov

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator or an appropriate designated department official will respond to the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions.

If the response by the ADA Coordinator or designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the City Corporation Counsel Office.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the City Corporation Counsel’s Office or an appropriate designated City Official will respond to the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the response, the City Corporation Counsel’s Office or a designee will respond in writing in format accessible to the complainant with a final resolution of the complaint.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) consists of five (5) titles.

Title I of the act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment.

Title II prohibits discrimination by state and local governments and requires that they ensure all facilities, services and information provided are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Title III provides for nondiscrimination against persons with disabilities in public accommodations.

Title IV of the acts bans discrimination in telecommunications.

Title V  contains miscellaneous provisions clarifying ADA's relationship to other laws and addressing such issues as health insurance.

Enforcement of the ADA is the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The City of Schenectady is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to City services, programs, activities and facilities. Any person believing that such access is not available in Schenectady should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator Ahmad Yusufi.

Schenectady Disabilities Advisory Board (SDAB)

Mission

It is the mission of the City Of Schenectady’s Disabilities Advisory Board to influence the quality of support to individuals with disabilities, to respect personal choice and diversity, ensure fundamental human rights and optimize individual strengths.

Purpose

Acts in an advisory role to improve the access of citizens with disabilities to all government and community facilities and activities and make recommendations relating to disabilities services.

Provide community leadership on improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of community developmental disabilities programs.

City disability advisory board and staff are critical to the development and delivery of community services that meet the needs of people with disabilities; this includes addressing the issue of individuals who are currently waiting for support services.

As representatives of the community, advisory board members have an advocacy responsibility on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. Board members are also in a unique position to share information with other community members. They are also responsible for gathering information and deciding the direction and need for services. 

Recommends to the City of Schenectady ADA Coordinator, measures designed to eliminate prejudice and discrimination; and promotes and encourages communication between groups interested in bettering community relations to enhance the quality of life for City of Schenectady citizens with disabilities.

Advocating for accessible, affordable housing and transportation

Advocating and supporting integrated recreational opportunities;

Promoting employment opportunities in the public and private sector;

Educating and advocating for equitable, affordable medical services; 

The Disabilities Advisory Board is comprised of  three (3) Committees with  a total of Thirteen (13) members who advocate for people with disabilities in the City. Members advise the City ADA Office on issues effecting people with disabilities including ADA compliance, transportation, housing, access to City government and services for people with disabilities.                                                  

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