### **ALABAMA DISABILITIES DISCRIMINATION RESOURCES** In Alabama, protections against disability discrimination primarily stem from federal law, specifically the **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)**. While Alabama does not have state-specific legislation that _expands_ upon the ADA, it adheres to these federal standards. --- **I. Understanding Disability Discrimination Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)** The ADA is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. A. Who is Protected by the ADA? An individual is considered to have a disability if they: - Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks). - Have a history or record of such an impairment. - Are regarded as having such an impairment (even if they don't currently have one). **B. Key Areas of Protection:** The ADA is divided into several titles, each addressing different areas where discrimination is prohibited: - **Title I: Employment (Employers with 15 or more employees)** - Prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, training, compensation, and job application procedures. - **Reasonable Accommodation:** Employers must provide _reasonable accommodations_ to qualified employees or applicants with disabilities unless doing so would cause an "undue hardship" (significant difficulty or expense) for the business. Examples include: - Modifying work schedules or job duties. - Making the workplace accessible (e.g., ramps, accessible restrooms). - Providing assistive technology or devices. - Reassigning to a vacant position. - **Harassment:** Prohibits harassment based on disability, creating a hostile work environment. - **Medical Exams/Inquiries:** Restricts medical examinations and inquiries about a disability. - **Title II: State and Local Government Services (Public Entities)** - Prohibits discrimination by state and local government entities in their services, programs, and activities (e.g., public transportation, courthouses, voting, public schools, recreation centers). - Requires public entities to make their programs accessible, which may involve making reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures, or removing architectural barriers. - **Title III: Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities (Private Entities Open to the Public)** - Prohibits discrimination by private entities that own, lease, or operate "places of public accommodation" (e.g., restaurants, hotels, retail stores, movie theaters, doctor's offices, private schools, museums, sports arenas). - Requires these entities to: - Make _reasonable modifications_ in policies, practices, or procedures to serve individuals with disabilities. - Provide _auxiliary aids and services_ for effective communication (e.g., sign language interpreters, Braille materials). - Remove architectural barriers in existing buildings where readily achievable. - Ensure new construction and alterations are accessible. - **Title IV: Telecommunications** - Requires telephone and Internet companies to provide nationwide telecommunications relay services (TRS) that allow individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate over the telephone. - Requires closed captioning for federally funded public service announcements. - **Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions** - Includes provisions related to retaliation, coercion, and other general provisions. --- **II. How to File a Disability Discrimination Complaint in Alabama** The specific agency where you file a complaint depends on the type of discrimination you experienced. **A. Employment Discrimination (Title I of the ADA):** - **Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):** The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination, including disability discrimination. - **Requirement:** You **must** file a "Charge of Discrimination" with the EEOC before you can file a lawsuit in court. - **Time Limit:** Generally, you have **180 days** from the date of the discriminatory act to file your charge. This deadline can be extended to **300 days** if there is a state or local agency that enforces a similar anti-discrimination law (though Alabama relies heavily on federal law for disability employment). - **How to File:** - **Online Inquiry/Portal:** Start by visiting the EEOC Public Portal to submit an inquiry and schedule an intake interview. - **Website:** [https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination) - **Phone:** 1-800-669-4000 (voice) / 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) - **Local EEOC Office:** While the primary offices are generally in larger cities (e.g., Birmingham for Alabama), it's best to use the online portal or phone for initial contact. - **What to Document:** Keep detailed records, including dates, times, names of individuals involved, specific discriminatory actions, witnesses, and any related communications (emails, texts, memos). **B. State and Local Government Services (Title II of the ADA):** - **Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Office of Civil Rights:** - DHR has a policy to ensure compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If discrimination is related to DHR services or programs, you can file a grievance with them. - **Contact:** - **Mail:** Alabama Department of Human Resources, Office of Civil Rights, Gordon Persons Building, 50 N. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 - **Phone:** (334) 242-1550 - **Email:** [email protected] - **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ):** The DOJ enforces Title II of the ADA. You can file a complaint directly with the DOJ. - **Website:** [https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/](https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/) - **Specific Government Agency:** If the discrimination occurred with a specific Alabama state agency (e.g., Department of Corrections, Department of Public Health), they typically have their own internal civil rights or ADA coordinator where you can file a complaint. **C. Public Accommodations (Title III of the ADA):** - **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ):** The DOJ also enforces Title III of the ADA. - **Website:** [https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/](https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/) - **Private Legal Action:** Individuals can also file a lawsuit directly in federal court to seek injunctive relief (to stop the discrimination) under Title III. This often requires legal counsel. **D. Housing Discrimination (Fair Housing Act):** - The Fair Housing Act, as amended, prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability (among other protected characteristics). - **U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):** - **How to File:** File a complaint with HUD. - **Website:** [https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint) - **Phone:** 1-800-669-9777 (TTY: 1-800-927-9275) --- **III. Alabama-Specific Resources and Advocacy Organizations** These organizations provide legal assistance, advocacy, information, and support for individuals with disabilities in Alabama. - **Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP):** - **Purpose:** Alabama's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system. ADAP provides legal services to protect and promote the civil rights of Alabamians with disabilities. They offer information, referral, individual case advocacy, training, outreach, and investigation services. - **Website:** [https://sites.ua.edu/adap/](https://sites.ua.edu/adap/) (Part of the University of Alabama School of Law) - **Contact:** Check their website for specific contact information and eligibility requirements for services. They are a primary resource for legal advocacy related to disability rights. - **Governor's Office on Disability (GOOD):** - **Purpose:** Serves as a central point of contact for disability-related issues in Alabama, provides information and referrals, and works to improve the lives of Alabamians with disabilities. They operate the ADA Hotline. - **ADA Hotline:** 1-800-205-9986 (voice) / 1-888-574-2257 (TTY) - **Website:** [https://www.good.alabama.gov/](https://www.good.alabama.gov/) - **The Arc of Central Alabama (and other local Arc chapters):** - **Purpose:** Serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. While they offer direct services (residential, employment, early intervention), they also engage in advocacy for the rights of people with IDD. - **Website:** [https://www.arcofcentralalabama.org/](https://www.arcofcentralalabama.org/) (Check for local chapters throughout Alabama) - **Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD):** - **Purpose:** Works to achieve equality of opportunity for all citizens, promoting independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities through projects, initiatives, and a network of resources. - **Website:** [https://www.acdd.org/](https://www.acdd.org/) - **Disability Rights and Resources:** - **Purpose:** A Center for Independent Living headquartered in Birmingham, providing services and resources to increase the independence of individuals with disabilities. - **Website:** [https://drradvocates.org/](https://drradvocates.org/) - **Phone:** 205-251-2223 - **Southeast ADA Center:** - **Purpose:** Serves Alabama and other Southeastern states as part of the ADA National Network. Provides information, training, and technical assistance on the ADA. - **Website:** [https://adata.org/region-4-southeast-ada-center](https://adata.org/region-4-southeast-ada-center) - **Contact:** 1-800-949-4ADA (Voice/TTY) --- **IV. General Advice for Individuals Experiencing Discrimination** - **Document Everything:** Keep a detailed log of dates, times, specific actions, statements, witnesses, and any written communications (emails, texts). This documentation is critical for any formal complaint. - **Understand Your Rights:** Educate yourself on the ADA and how it applies to your situation. Resources like ADA.gov are excellent starting points. - **Internal Complaints (if applicable):** For employment, many employers have internal grievance policies. While not always legally required, it's often a good first step and may be required by company policy before filing an external complaint. - **Seek Legal Counsel:** Discrimination cases can be complex. Consulting an attorney experienced in disability law or civil rights is highly recommended to understand your options and navigate the legal process. This comprehensive "AL Alabama Disabilities Discrimination" page should be a valuable addition to your master tool! What's next on your list? If you’re seeking resources to address disability discrimination in Alabama, there are several state and national organizations that provide advocacy, legal assistance, and support. Here’s a detailed list: --- ### **1. Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)** - **Purpose**: A federally funded protection and advocacy program for individuals with disabilities in Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-826-1675** - **Website**: [adap.ua.edu](https://adap.ua.edu) - **Details**: - Offers legal representation and advocacy for individuals facing discrimination. - Provides assistance with education, employment, housing, and public access issues. --- ### **2. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)** - **Purpose**: Supports individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and employment. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-441-7607** - **Website**: [rehab.alabama.gov](https://www.rehab.alabama.gov) - **Services**: - Employment support for people with disabilities. - Advocacy for workplace accommodations. - Support for those facing discrimination in vocational settings. --- ### **3. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Birmingham District Office** - **Purpose**: Enforces federal laws prohibiting disability discrimination in the workplace. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-669-4000** - **Local Office**: **205-651-7030** - **Website**: [eeoc.gov](https://www.eeoc.gov) - **Details**: - File a charge of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). - Mediation and legal assistance for employment-related disability discrimination. --- ### **4. Disability Rights & Resources** - **Purpose**: Provides services and advocacy for independent living and disability rights in Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-682-7453** - **Website**: [drradvocates.org](https://www.drradvocates.org) - **Services**: - Advocacy for individuals experiencing discrimination. - Resources for accessibility and community living. --- ### **5. Alabama Legal Services** - **Purpose**: Offers free or low-cost legal services for low-income individuals, including those facing discrimination. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-866-456-4995** - **Website**: [legalservicesalabama.org](https://www.legalservicesalabama.org) - **Details**: - Legal advice and representation for disability discrimination cases. - Support for housing, employment, and public access issues. --- ### **6. Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – U.S. Department of Education** - **Purpose**: Ensures that educational institutions comply with federal disability laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-421-3481** - **Website**: [ed.gov/ocr](https://www2.ed.gov/ocr) - **Details**: - Investigates disability discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities. - Offers guidance on filing complaints regarding educational access. --- ### **7. Alabama Department of Education (Special Education Services)** - **Purpose**: Protects the rights of students with disabilities in Alabama’s public schools. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-694-4900** - **Website**: [alsde.edu](https://www.alsde.edu) - **Details**: - Advocacy for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504. - Support for parents navigating discrimination issues in schools. --- ### **8. Southeast ADA Center** - **Purpose**: Provides training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Southeast region, including Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-949-4232** - **Website**: [adata.org](https://www.adata.org) - **Details**: - Information and resources on ADA rights and responsibilities. - Free consultation for individuals and employers regarding accommodations. --- ### **9. Alabama Disability Advocacy Coalition (ADAC)** - **Purpose**: Grassroots organization focused on disability rights and policy advocacy. - **Contact**: - **Website**: [alabamadisabilityadvocacycoalition.org](https://alabamadisabilityadvocacycoalition.org) (Check for local chapters). - **Details**: - Advocacy for systemic change in disability discrimination policies. - Community engagement and resources for individuals. --- ### **10. National Resources Applicable in Alabama** - **Job Accommodation Network (JAN)**: - **Website**: [askjan.org](https://www.askjan.org) - Provides guidance on workplace accommodations and disability rights. - **Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)**: - **Website**: [dredf.org](https://www.dredf.org) - Advocacy and legal guidance on disability discrimination issues. --- ### **Steps to Address Disability Discrimination:** 1. **Document the Incident**: - Keep detailed records of discriminatory actions, including dates, witnesses, and communication. 2. **Seek Legal Advice**: - Contact ADAP or Legal Services Alabama for guidance on filing complaints. 3. **File a Complaint**: - Workplace: File with the EEOC. - Education: File with OCR or contact the Alabama Department of Education. 4. **Advocate for Your Rights**: - Use ADA and Section 504 laws to request reasonable accommodations or address violations.