John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (“ConnDOT"), to resolve allegations that the rail station in New London is not accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA").
The settlement agreement requires ConnDOT to remediate the New London Rail Station to make it accessible for individuals with disabilities. As part of the settlement agreement, ConnDOT must ensure that:
* there are accessible routes to the station
* the station has at least one accessible entrance
* there are accessible doors to the station along the accessible routes
* any stairs that are part of a method of egress from the station are accessible
* train brochure display areas within the station are accessible
* the station has accessible toilet rooms
* signage within the station is accessible
* there are accessible routes to the accessible boarding platforms
* the station has accessible ramps
Under federal law, public entities are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities or does not permit service animals may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Earlier today, the Justice Department announced the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation. The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal - located at civilrights.justice.gov - will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations should contact the department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
