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Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

1275 Lakeside Avenue East
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1129

216-241-8230 - General Information

216-736-2673 - Eligibility

Accessibility

This website meets Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA.

Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Following the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities based on disability in its services, programs, or activities.

 

Employment

Cuyahoga DD does not discriminate based on disability in its hiring or employment practices and follows all regulations set forth by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA.

 

Effective Communication

Cuyahoga DD will provide aids and services to help people with disabilities communicate effectively. People can request this support to help them participate equally in Cuyahoga DD programs, services, and activities. This includes sign language interpreters, Braille documents, and other methods to make information accessible to those with speech, hearing, or vision impairments.

 

Modifications to Policies and Procedures

Cuyahoga DD will make reasonable changes to its policies and programs to help people with disabilities fully enjoy its services and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcome in Cuyahoga DD offices.

Contact the ADA Coordinator as soon as possible, but with at least 48 hours' notice, if you need help communicating or need a change in policies or procedures to participate in a Cuyahoga DD program or activity.

Stefanie Galbreath, ADA Coordinator
216-339-9509
galbreath.stefanie@cuyahogadd.org

According to the ADA, Cuyahoga DD does not have to make changes that would change the core of its programs and services or create a significant financial or administrative burden.

Please contact the ADA Coordinator if you believe that a Cuyahoga DD program, service, or activity is not accessible for people with disabilities.

Stefanie Galbreath, ADA Coordinator
216-339-9509
galbreath.stefanie@cuyahogadd.org

Cuyahoga DD does not charge extra fees to a person with a disability or any group of people with disabilities for the cost of providing support aids and services. This includes reasonable policy changes, such as getting items from public places that people who use wheelchairs cannot access.

 

Grievance Procedure Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Grievance Procedure helps people file complaints about disability discrimination by Cuyahoga DD. It follows the requirements of the ADA. Anyone can use this procedure if they believe they have faced discrimination in services, activities, programs, or benefits.

To file a complaint, write down the details of the issue. Include:

  • Your name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Location of the incident
  • Date it happened
  • Description of the problem
    • If someone has difficulty writing, they can request alternatives, such as a personal interview or a tape recording.

Please submit the complaint as soon as possible to the ADA Coordinator, but no later than 60 calendar days after the event. You can send it in yourself or have someone do it for you.

Stefanie Galbreath, ADA Coordinator
1275 Lakeside Avenue East
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-339-9509
galbreath.stefanie@cuyahogadd.org

When a complaint is made, the ADA Coordinator or someone they choose will meet with the person who made the complaint within 15 days. They will talk about the complaint and explore possible solutions. The ADA Coordinator or the person they choose will send you a response within 15 days after meeting. This response will explain Cuyahoga DD's position and may offer options to resolve the complaint.

The person making the complaint or a person they choose can appeal the decision to the Superintendent or another staff person within 15 days of receiving the response if it does not resolve the issue.

The Superintendent or someone they choose will meet with you within 15 calendar days to talk about the issue and possible solutions if you file an appeal. You will receive a written response within 15 calendar days of this meeting. This response will include the final decision about your complaint and, if needed, will be provided in an accessible format for you.

Cuyahoga DD keeps all written complaints, any appeals to the Superintendent, and the responses from these offices for at least three years.

Before starting a formal complaint process, anyone wishing to file a complaint can take part in Cuyahoga DD’s informal grievance process. This process is detailed in the Administrative Regulation called “Administrative Resolution of Complaints/Informal Grievance Process for Individuals/Representatives.” Please contact the ADA Coordinator to obtain a copy of this regulation.