Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability (IWD). This law includes non-discrimination in terms and conditions of employment; public services, programs and activities, provided or made available by state and local governments; and public accommodation, by private enterprises operating under public jurisdiction and operating for the purchase services or commodities.

The City will work to ensure effective communication with IWDs and will, upon request, provide auxiliary communication aids and services to afford those individuals equal opportunity for participation in City sponsored meetings, events or activities. Auxiliary aids and services may be, but are not limited to, a qualified sign language interpreter, large print materials, audio tape, a note taker, open or closed captioning, assistive listening devices, Braille materials, website access, etc. This request should be made to the City’s EEO/ADA Coordinator, in writing, or by phone, at least 72 hours prior to the event where that accommodation is needed.

The U. S Department of Justice (DOJ) also enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Justice can be reached at 800-514-0301; or at the ADA website.

An individual with a disability (IWD) believing he or she has been discriminated against, for reason of disability, in public employment, public programs or services and public accommodation, may elect to file a formal, internal, complaint with the City’s EEO/ADA Office, within thirty business days of the alleged discriminatory event, in accordance with the City’s five step complaint process as outlined below and on the City’s Discrimination Complaint Form. Alternatively, an IWD may file a formal, external, complaint of disability discrimination, with the DOJ or DOT, within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory event.

For unlawful housing discrimination, under the Fair Housing Act, contact the City’s Community Development Department at Housing and Family Services at 575-528-3022 or email Las Cruces Fair Housing.