The Justice Department announced a settlement with the City of Killeen, Texas, to provide equal access in its programs, services, facilities and activities to individuals with disabilities, including veterans. The agreement is part of the department’s commitment to ensuring that civic institutions comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Killeen has a large population of veterans, active duty military service members, retirees and their families.
Under the agreement, the City of Killeen will remove barriers to access in buildings such as City Hall, police stations, libraries, technology centers, community centers and places of recreation. The agreement requires the City to make changes to its facilities so that parking, routes into the buildings, entrances, restrooms, signage, service counters and drinking fountains are accessible to people with disabilities, and that auditoriums and arenas have the required wheelchair and companion seating. The agreement also requires the City to provide aids and services to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing disabilities, establish accessible emergency shelters and services, assure that its websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities and implement a plan for the accessibility of sidewalks and curb cuts within the City.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that individuals with disabilities have equal access to civic programs, services and facilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that cities and other public entities eliminate physical and communication barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully in community life. We commend the City of Killeen for its commitment to working with the Civil Rights Division to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, including veterans.”
“The City of Killeen has committed to removing barriers to civic participation for individuals with disabilities, including the many veterans who call our district home,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “Our office remains dedicated to supporting efforts to improve access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.”
This matter was handled by the Disability Rights Section of the department’s Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the ADA website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/.