Behavioral Health Practice In Ellington Agrees To ADA Compliance

ELLINGTON, CT — A behavioral health practice in Ellington has entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, WAIRE, LLC, owner of Ellington Behavioral Health, finalized the settlement agreement Friday. The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language. '

The complainant claims Ellington Behavioral Health did not provide them with an American Sign Language interpreter for several mental health counseling appointments. Based on its investigation, the government confirmed the practice failed to provide an American Sign Language interpreter for this individual for at least six appointments. Under the ADA, public accommodations, including health care providers, are required to provide American Sign Language interpreters if needed to facilitate effective communication with persons with disabilities, Avery said.

Under terms of the settlement agreement, the practice has agreed not to discriminate based on disability in the future, and will provide persons with disabilities with full and equal enjoyment of its services. As part of that obligation, Ellington Behavioral Health will provide auxiliary aids and services, including American Sign Language interpreters, to ensure effective communication with its patients and their companions who have disabilities, Avery said.

Ellington Behavioral Health has also agreed to provide reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities consistent with the ADA. The practice will also pay $5,000 to compensate the complainant, according to Avery, who also noted the practice has worked cooperatively with her office to make their mental health services more accessible without litigation.

The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time, Avery said.

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 may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700 and ask for the Civil Rights Intake Specialist.

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). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.