NEW LONDON Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that Sound Community Services, Inc., a behavioral health provider located in New London, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut have reached a settlement agreement to address claims of discrimination against a disabled person who uses a service animal.
The complaint that led to the settlement claimed that Sound Community had made the plaintiff feel uncomfortable due to their service animal. Requests for the animal’s license and immunization history were among the specific accusations, as was the denial of transportation arrangements for the person because of the service animal.
As part of the settlement, Sound Community has committed to implementing an ADA-compliant service animal policy, training employees on the policy, and putting up signs saying that service animals are welcome. Compensation for the complainant is often included in the agreement, provided that a release is signed.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forbids discrimination against people with disabilities, including those who use service animals, by private organizations that run public accommodations, such as healthcare facilities. According to federal law, these organizations must provide accessibility by making appropriate changes to their policies, practices, and processes.
Sound Community’s cooperative reaction in resolving the ADA breaches without filing a lawsuit was commended by U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. According to Avery, this resolution emphasizes how crucial it is to guarantee that people with disabilities, especially those who depend on service animals, can receive services without any obstacles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing handled the case. To report ADA violations in Connecticut, people can call the Justice Department’s ADA information line or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In order to provide equitable access for those with disabilities, this settlement highlights the importance of continuing to enforce ADA safeguards.
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