HomeMy WebLinkAbout0157.093• t{D • •
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February lB, 1993
The Honorable city council
Palo Alto, calitornia
•• riap. Jr_!th ~iubilitie. Act (ADA) -S.,lt-EValuatioD
Hembers ot the council:
RepOrt. in Bri.f
2
This report requests that Council endors!!! the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-EValuation (Attach~ent AJ undertak'~n by all
divisions in City deparcments that interact directly With members of the
public. The self-evaluation complies with section 35.105 of the AOAI
whlot, requires a public entity to evaluate its current policies and.
practices to identify and correct any that are not consistent with the
requirements 0"'( the ADA, and to have t.hat evalu3.tion endorsed. The
written self-evaluation must be kept on file and availahle for publi~
inspection for three years. This report summarizes ~~e findings of the
self-evaluations conducted by each division and indicates corrective
5ction where required. A request for funding to implement the needed
changes to city programs, services ana activities will be returned to
council as part of the interim budget.
BacJtgroUlld
Titlp. II of
government
disabilities
the benefits
the ADA took affect January 26, 1992. It prohibits all
entities from discrjminll.ting against persons with
and from excluding their participation in, or denying them
of, programs, services, or activities.
Specifically, a public entity may not, either directly or thr-ough
contractual arrangements:
1) Deny persons with disabilities the opportunit.y to participate as
members of planning or advisory boards.
2) Deny persons with disabilities the opportunity to partiCipate in
programs, services l or activities that ~re not separate or different
from those. offered others l even if the entity offers permissibly
s~parate or aifferent activities~
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J, Make selection6, in determining the location of facilities, that have
~ the affect of excluding or discriminatinq against persons with
disabilities.
4) Discriminate in employment practices against qualified persons vith
dbabil i ties.
Programs, services, and activities, when viewed i.n their ent~!'ety, must
be readily accessible to people with disabilities. special arrangements
Bay be made, as necessary, to accommodate people with disabilities in
programs offered to the general public, but such people may not be
excluded from these programs and directed to programs established
epecifically for people with dis~bilities4
In Kar.ch 1992, tJle city ADA Director asked each department to list its
programs, services, and activities, and from these lists, identifi~d
those in which members of the public are directly involved. In May
1992, the ADA committee composed of representatives from all City
departments~ d.eveloped a self-evaluation form to be completed by the
relevant department.s by September 1992. The completed forms vere
reviewed and they are summarized here. The forms will be kept on file
in the ADA Director's office at t~e CiViC center, 250 Hamilton Avenue,
on the second floor.
Two public hearings 'Were held in December 1992; one at the regular
meetinq nf the TaSK Force for Disa~ility A'Wa~ene5s, December 16, and the
second at the Acoessibility standards Advisory Committee meetinq,
Deceaber 1.84 At the.se m~etinqs, the ADA Director reviewed the self
evaluation preliminary findings and solicited input from the committee
~abers ana £roa members of the ~ublic.
Better accessibility to five city programs or services was recommended
by the committee members and/or. public:
• have certain city documents like
"Enjoy" produced in large print.
packet information, p~oduced by the
point) with wider line spacing;
the Annua 1 Report, Budget ar.d
1.1so, have all .""cekly Council
City, plinted in larger typ~ (1(
• produce audio tap~s for new exhibits at the CUltural Center,
Cubberley comnunity center, Interpretive Centers, and the Jun~or
Museum rather than responding to requests that audio tapes be made;
• pr-ovide descriptive servi.r::es (a person 'Who describes thra theatez:
action during a performance to individuals ~ho are vision impaired)
at select~.d performances at the ch.ildren's 'rheater a"d COmlbunity
Theater;
provide a -wheelchair accessible swimming program for
recreational s~im at Rinconada Park Pool; and
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• provide a "~eadin9 machine· at a Library to allow patrons to ~
printed material. Such a machine woul~ provide people who are blind
or visually impaired ~ith access to the full library collection and
all other City documents.
PiaD •• loD
To comply ~ith ADA requiremants, the City has certain services available
for individuals with dis~bilitie~:
• ~o facilitate phone calls with hearing impaired persons, the ADA
Director has a. TOO set in her .e.d.!ZIinistrative oftice~ The
Information Resources Department can relay calls to and trom a
caller and the individuals with whom they wish to communicat~.
Th~ TDD liuc is .ta!red durinq Civic Center office hours.
• California R~lay
government offices
hearing or speech
offices~
Service, a TOO service available
in California, is available 24 hours
iElpa i red persons to connect them
for all
a day to
to City
• The city has a contract with OLaf Services of Palo Alto, which
will supply interpretE"rs for City programs and services on 72
hours notice~
• All public pay telephones in City facilities have volume control~
The ·courtesy· phones for the public to call other libraries do
not have volume control, and a~e planned to be upgraded.
• Listeninq assist~nce devices are installed in the Council Chambers
and the t~o theaters at the Lucie Stern c~nter, and are scheduled
to be installed a~ CUbberley and in the Council Conference ROOD at
the civic Center~
• To provide written information produced by the City in large type
or in braille, the ADA Director currently considers requests on a
case by case basis from members of 'the public and determines the
best response ~u each requ~st~
• T~e AOA Oirector can facilitate the production of audio tapes for
-talking tours· of facilities, programs or exhibits. The public
has also requ~sted that audio tapes of new exhibits be made, and
that their availability be adv~rtised.
• To make City facilities more accessible, council has approved a
three year Transi~ion Plan fo~ modifying city faci~ities to brinq
them into compliance with ADA regulations. A copy is available
for review in the ADA Directo~'s office at the Civic Center, 250
HaJnilton ]a,venue, 2nd Floor ~
• To assist staff in handling complaints. an ~J)A Grievance Procedure
and fo~ were developed and distriouted to all departments.
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The staff has aaopted several policies for all departments that ~ill
enhance their services:
With tew approved exceptions, city forms and. documents 'ilIi11
include a notice of the city's compliance with AOA regulations.
• At every coun~er at which members ot the public are served, paper
and pencil are availahle to assist in communicatinq with hearinq
or speech impaired persons. '
• To provide reasonahle accommodations tor paople with mental
disabilities, staff takes extra tilDe to work 'Witb any individual
and discusses with them whether any special accommodation is
needed.
• staff will as~ist, as requested, with any program ~elated
requireJIents such as tilling out torms, understanding instructions
sheets, retrieving material, using equipment, etc.
• The ADA Director receives c011'.plaints related.. to requlations and 1s
the point of refe~~al by statf M~rs of cases in which the~e are
compliance issues.
• Departlllents that provide p~.ogr$llDS. se.rvices. and activities
directly to the public will co~sistently advertise the city's ADA
compliance and, as feasible, work with app~opriate orq~niz~tions
to recruit individuals with disabilities.
• The Task Force on Disabi~ity Awareness plays an advisory ro~e in
makinq recommendations on how to make city programs more amenable
to individuals with disabilities . . ',.."
7'he findinqs of the attached Jl3elf-evaluation study.. as evidenced in
Exhibit I, indicate that the. city's olieies and practices do ::lot
discri~inate against persons ~ith disabilities, exclude them from
participation in, or deny them the benefits of programs. services, or
activities. However,. there are areas whE.re accessibility could be
improved to meet t~e needs of the disabled community. The following is
the implement~tion plan:
1992-U
Many of the recomme.nde.d improvements involve services provided by the
Libraries -a -re.adinq" machine, adaptions for computer catalog, large
prinr labelinq o~ mat~rials, purchase of a TOO at Main Lihrary, replace
captionment of decod4r, purchase uf curbside book returns, and provision
of book grabbers. ·:he California State Library is oftering-a
co.petitive grant proqra~ to puhlic libraries to implement ~odel service
proqrams tor people -with disabilities through the installation of
auxiliary aids, adaptive technology, and furnishings in accordance with
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the jurisdictional plan tor ADA ~o:m.pliar:ce. The grant awards to an
individual project may range from $10,000 to $30,000. The Library
Division of Community Services is applying for a grant to coveI"' thQ cost
of sOllie of the improveJIlents. 1I.wards will he announceCi by March 15,
1993. The City 'Will recommand funding tt~ose items not competitive: for
grant funds, e .. g .. , TOO.
It is proposed t1"',at the Mitchell Park Branch Library be the targeted
branch tor special adapted equipment for disabled, based on its location
to organi?ations serving the disabled and its use by people 'With
disabilities.
The Human Resources Department will be developing and provi1.inq a
sensitivity tl:aininq proqram for City staff designed around serving the
disabled public4 The Police Department will be providinq this training
for non-sworn police perso~~el in April. Other areas that stafr will
begin working on this fiscal year include assessing the cost to pi-Qvide
the ~~ual Report, flyers~ or forms in large print or braille and audio
tapes for new elLhibits without special request; develo~ing a volunteer
reader pr09r4m; locating signs at the proper height and posting siqns
reqardinq the availability of special assistance; installinq volume
amplification device~ on wcourtesy phones· at the libraries; and
10'llering one. photocopier at the. Main Library. No additional funding is
expected to be required to implement these services 4
A funding request will be included in the interim budget to address
1993-94 programs.
Upgrade the listeninq assistance devices in the Comm\L~ity and Children's
Theaters to accommodat~ descriptive services and provide describers for
t-.;o shows at each theater. The estimated cost is $6,000 for the
equipment and $1,500 for describers.
Provide faxing machines at two additional libraries or other high use
facilities to allow requested material to be faxed directly to offices
or homes for-people with disabilities. The est;mated cost for-the
equipment is $5 1 000 including installation.
Provide access to 't.he Rinconada Pool for swimmers with disabilities
throuqh the use of a portable slide, st,eps with portable deck steps,
mechanical lift or other means~ The Accessibility Standards Advisory
Committee has ac;-reed to work with City staff to determine the best
method with the most reasonable cost to provide access to the pool. The
estimated cost is unknown at this time.
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staff .r'ecomaencla that Counci" endorse the ADA Self-Evaluation study~
"spect~ully submitted
[2~7)#-
Dianah lIe~f
Director, Information Resources
ADA Director
Attachments
CI!R:157:93 6
Attachment A
Americans With Disabilities ~ct Self-Evaluation
City of Palo Alto
D9partw9n\ pr~"" seryic ••. anA actiyit! ••
This report is a ~epartment by department account of programs, services,
and activities to which ADA regulations are relevant, and a summary of
the findinqs of the Self-Evaluation of each of those departments.
Exhibit I provides a listing of "Methods Used to Serve the Disabled",
and Exhibit IT lists -Recommended Improvements to Services· by
Department/Division.
~cause every department has acc~ss to the TDD line, interpreters, and
other such services, these are not mentioned aqhin in the description of
aach department's activities.
city Attarney
The city Attorney's O~fice serves as legal advisor to the city
qovernment. As such, the "public programs" ~f the City Attorney are
limited to meetings arranqed by the attorneys and to providing claim.
forms to peop12 wishing to file a claim against the city~ Meetings can
be arrangea to accommodate participants with disabilities~ Claim forms
are usually mailed or pirJced up in person at the City Attorney's Office~
However, other arrangements can be made to accommodate persons with
disabilities.
City Clut
The Clerk's office is responsible for noticinq~ setting up~ staffing~
and the leqislative actions of City council meetings and Council-related
activities, ~n~ providing public information. The Clerk also
adm.inisters the elections of Council meLbers and the appointment of
board. and commissic.n members. These activities are carried out in
accordance with the City Charter and state elections code.
People with disabilities are not discriminated against in serving on the
Council, boards, or commissions. The meeting venues, as w~ll as the
Clerk's offi~e, are physically accessible. Audio amplification devices
and interprl2ters can be made available, upon rec;,""'.] ..... st, at meetings. Upon
r9q\Jest, dOCUlUents considered at meetings can be rea.::\ aloud or audio
taped.
People with disabilities have access to notices and minute~ of meetinqa
~s well as to the me~tinqs themselves~ Notices and minute3 of meetings
are regularly posted in acceji;sible locations. Anyone can rJhone the city
Clerk's office to inquire about meeting notices~ The city council
aqenda is cal:llecast reqularly in summary form on Government Access
Channel 16~
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At the ADA Self-Evaluation public hearing of December 16, 1992, several
aeml:>ers of the T~,s)c Force for Disability Awareness recomm.!:nded ~at one
weekly Council packet be produced in large print and be ~ade available
in the Main Library for review and that all City reports be produced in
larqe print like the ADA Self-EValuation Summary {14 point, 1.25 line
opacingi.
City _qar
The most direct link of the City Manager's Office to the qeneral public
is throuq~ written communications--City Manager's Reports (CMRs), which
are distributed weekly throuqh the packets of information that qo to the
city Council and other organizations, includinq the press', and the
Ar~ual Report to the Community, which is distributed broadly includin~
to every residence as a supplement to the Palo Alto WeeklYa In addition
to issuing these documents, the Manager's O~fice responds frequently to
requests ~or information and service. These requests usu~lly com~ by
phone, others come by fax, mail, or in pe~son. The Manager's office
&160 maintains ~eqular communications with the press and with a wide
ranqe of other organizations in the City and the region~
The Manager's Office, including the conference room, is physically
accessible. The passageway to the City Manaqer's private office is too
narrow (32 inches) for easy wheelchair access, but any meeting can be
held in the adjoininq conference room~
The group with least a.ccessibility to information produced by the
Manager's Office is the vision impaired.. Yet, much of the materi,,.l is
presented in summar]· and in discussion at the. City Council meetings,
which are broadcast over radio station :KZSU. For a "'ision impaired
person Who wanted more detailed information, the most feasible form of
assistance would be having someone rea.d documents aloud; documents could
also be printed in extra-large type~ To date, the office has had no
requests for assistance. However, thls issue was ~aised at the public
hearing.
In reqards to these requests, an audiotape of the annual repo~t will be
made~ Start is exploring means of ~akinq the printed text of the Annual
Report available in enlarged type.
ca.aunity services Departaent
The departme~t has five divisions: Arts and CUlture, Human Servic~s,
Library, Parks and Golf, a~d Recre:tion, Open Space and science~ All
divisions have a high d~qree of interaction with the public and strive
to make all programs and services accessible.
This division has. three main programs: the community Theater, the
Children's Theater, and the CUltural Center. Each of these entails
frequent, large-scale interaction with the public.
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The Cbi14re4'~ Tboatre program allows children and youth to participate
as performers and crew in theater productions. Individuals tryout for
parts; those given parts participate in rehearsals and performances.
Crew aembere do the work needed to assist the performance, including
building scenery, oper-atinq sound and lighting board.6., and ushering.
Tba program a1BO offere classes in theater ar.ts for children, trips and
tours related to the theater, and special events to serve the community.
No one, including a chi.ld or youth with a disability, is denied the
chance to participate in activities. Some activities, such as parts in
A performance and managing stage sets, require certain physical
abilities. But much work is required t.o proc1uc~ a play, and everyone
can be given tasks that they can do~
The Children's Theatre is physically accessible. The theater has an
audio system used to amplify sound, and staft is looking into the
possibility of enhancing the system so that it can pro"Vide descriptive
services as requestAd by a local family.
Tickets are sold at the CAPA box office and the Children's Theater, bOth
at whicb are physically accessible.
The Co..unity Th .. tr. program offer$ psrfcrmances by local ccmpanies~
West Bay Opera~ Theatreworks, and the Palo Alto Players at the Lucie
Stern Theater. It also co-sponsors other performances trom time to
time, otfers concerts of c1assical music in the CUltural Center
Auditorium, Brown £a9 concerts of a variety o~ music in the downtown
plaza durinq the summe.:, and classes in I!lusic, dance. arod culture.
These events are open to the public; some are free while others charge
admission. Tickets are available through the CAPA box office.
Tbe theatt-r program has already made SODle arranqements to make its
activiti~ accessible, and is in the process of bringing its proqr.am
into full compliance with ADA regulations. The Lu~ie Stern Theater, the
CUltural Center Auditorium, and plazas where Brown Baq concsrts are held
are physically acc"'!:ssible. The theater and the auditorium are also
equipped with an audio system that allows people who are hearinq
impaired to wear head sets through "'lIlt-dch the sound on stage is
amplified. The theater is planninq to upqrade its system to provide
descriptive services--a person who describes the theater action to
individuals who are vision impaired.
Tickets can be reserved by phone and picked up at the perfcrmance. The
ticket office is accessible.
The classes in culture, music, and dance. do not always permit ~he
participation of everyon~. Dance. classes, in particular, requ~re
difficult physical movements 'With music and with other dancers. In
music classes, participants play musical instrument~ such as drums and
piano. All individuals are welco~e to the classes, and ~ay participate
to the extent that they are able.
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The Palo Alto CUltural center is the main .facility fer visual arts
proqr~ms. The center's program has five components: (1) exhibitions of
art, lectures, special ~orxshops, and publications in conjunction with
eaCh exhi:bition; (2) instruction in finp arts and crafts and open
studioB for art ~ork; {3J Project LOOK!, an arts education program for
e!eaentary school children; (4) a volunteer program that provid"'!s
support ~or the Centerte arts programs and other special event a relatinq
to education or fund raising for th~ arts; (S) use of the facilities by
city staff and the public in co-sponsored activities and through rentals
for .eetinqs, partie.", and reception:!..
The Cultural centE~ is physically accessible. Exhibits are laid out so
th6t people in w!le.elcha}rs ca~ view the'lII. Its auditorium is eqcipped
with some listening dev:ces, and interpreters can be made available to
help give tours. since classes and special programs for adults and
children, incluciinq Project LOOK!, vary in nature, staff can make
special arrangements to acc~mmodate in.;iividuals with disabilities in
each of these. Volunteers are enc::ouraged, and any known disabili.ty is
accommodated.
since th9 center's program is visually oriented, the staff attempts to
identify alternative measures it can use to help people with visual
impalrments make f'Ull "1se of the proqr8lll. When a visitor requests
assistance or a staft member becomes aware of a disability, he or she
tries to accommodate that pe~son. Talk (audio tape) tours of new
exhibits could be developed to describe the exhibit for the visually
i_paired. Au~io tapes of exhibits 'Were requested at the public hearinq
0" December 16, 1992.
JIU&aD s.:rvic ••
The Human Services division monitors a.nd. supports nonprofit
orqanizat1odS that provide spe~ial help to people with special neecls.
one of these, the Comm:,J,nity Association for the Retarded, is directly
focused on helpinq people with physical and mental disabilities. Some
of the others work exclusively .. ith people who are economically and
socially disadYa.ntaged.
• The Hayfield CODllll:.mity Clinic provides medical services to the
homeless and low-income famllies.
The Mid-Penl.nsula Support Network for Battered Women provides
co~~elinq, legal services, and shelter to battered women.
• The Miramonte Mental Health service provides counseling to
homeless people.
Th-e urban Ministry of Palo Alto provid.e:s a full-time caseworker to
work with ten homeless/at risk people and to supervise volunteers
who work with low-inco~e families.
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Each organization works with people on an individual basis,
capable of meeting the needs of people with rhysical
d18abiliti~s.
dnd i&. fully
and mental
The pame is true for the other organizations~ even though they serve a
broader range of people., including somEs '.NilO are not disadvantaged, but
in need ot crisis inteLVention and/or short-term counseling_
• Adolescent Counseling Services supports counseling proqrams at
Palo Alto's two middle schools and t~o high schools.
• The American Red cross provides a 7roup support system, individual
counseling, and par.en-c.inq education to singl-e par-ants of young
cbildren and to single women who are pregnant.
• The community Association for the Retarded provides recreational,
social~ and therapeutic programs to people with disabilities.
• La Com ida provides seniors at the Senior Center with lunches
Monday througb FriQay
The Palo Alto Area Information and. Referral Serv1.ce (PAAIRS)
provj,des information by telephone about Citr services and refers
callers to the organization or agency that can meet their needs.
It administers mediation services for landlords and tenant~ and
other residents in conflict. Also, PAAIRS tiles al'e included in
the Library's compvter catalog, available at the libraries and by
modem Lor those vith home, school or office computers.
• Palo Alto community Child Ca~e provi~es child care services to
infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at child ca't'e centers and
after &chool care to elementary students at the school~.
• The Palo Alto Unifi~d School District receives funds from the city
to pay for a community counselor at each of the high schools.
• The Senior Coordinating Council provides services to senior
citizens, includinq activities at the Senior Center.
• Social Advocates for Youth provides services to adolescents and
their families who are in crisis, need short-term residential
treatment, counseling, and/or therapy~
The Rape Crisis Center program of the YWCA provides crisiS
intervention services to' victims or. sexual assault. It alsc
provides community education programs on sex'.lal assault
prevention.
Emergency Housing Consortium pravid~s beds at night for homeless
Palo Alto residents at the Armory shelter in Sunnyvale.
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Catholic Charities investigates elder abuse in Palo Alto nu~sinq
establishments.
Each of ~he organizations supported by Human Services operates on its
own prem1ses. Buildings in which they operate are not owned by the
City, though ~he City leases land to the Senior Center and to Palo Alto
Cemmuni~y Child Care. These two facilities have been considered in the
City's Transition Plan toward ADA compliance.
Because these programs address individual needs, they accommodate the
special needs of peOple with disabilities as requested. Some agencies
are aware of ways to improve this service. The Rape crisis Center, for
example, is aware that having a TOD lin~ 'Wculd help it serve hearing
impaired people. The H~an Ser~ices Division has requested each agency
to complete a self-evaluation and is a3~ured that, with a rey exceptions
tt~at are bein9 addressed, the proqra~ of each is accessible to people
with disabilities.
Library
The Libr~ry, a division of the Department of Community services, has
many interrelated activities, most of which directly serve the public.
For the purposes of this report~ these activities are divided into four
areas:
• Neighborhood Library services
• Special events and displays
Publicity materials
• VOlur.te.er programs.
Tbrouqh its Deighborbood 11br~ri •• (including the Main Library, which
als~ serves neighborhoods), the Library provides reference and advisory
assistance.; access to collections throuq~1 the computer catalog~
classification system, labels~ etc; and lends some reading. viewinq and
listening materials and has eq-Ilipment that aids in using these
materials. The library has one print enlarger and cassette player for
in-house use at two libraries. The catalog has an information and
referral (PAA.!R's file) rlat3.base t\J locate agencies that can assist
people with special needs. Some of the litraries emphasize specialties,
such as s~rvice for children or for business people, as well as 5ervinq
the general population~ The Lirrary also offers home bound service and
access. to the. catalog via a computer 'With ;a modem from either a
resident's home or office. Also~ patrons can go to nearby ~ibrary and
pick up materials sent from another lOCation.
The LiDrary offers special events aDd proqr .... including story times,
tOurs, and a summer r~ading program. It also creates its own temporary
displays to promote use of collections, and allows outs~de groups (the
schools, for example) to display art and other materials from time to
time. Some displays are p'.:t on tables and are accessible to individuals
with mobility impairments; others are placed on valls or in display
CHR:157:93 12
casas. At present, at least one story t1~e per month is signed by a
volunteer interpreter.
In addition, the Library provides p3.trons with publicatioDs on libr.sry
services and activities a~Q thoDe of other organizations. These are
announced on flyers, br~~ures, and other types of printed materials
that are poste.r1 on bulletin boards and/or available in stacks for
patrons to take ho~. This service includes maki~g available federal
and state tax fonns an;;! volunteer assistance--tc pecple who have no
other means--in cQmpletinq these forms~ None of the publications are
available in alternative. formats, but can boP. read to anyone upon
request.
The two volunt •• r proqraas are (1) volunteers who pert'orm library
related tasks, do special projects, and assist in s~rvice to the
homebound, and (2) the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, who conduct
periodic sales of used library materials and donated br.oks, records~
cassettes, etc. to raise funds to assi6t the Library~
The Library has made a concerted e~fort to make all of its services
avail&ble~ Nonf:! of its policies or programs discriminates against
indivlduals with disabilities~ The Library collection has audio tapes
that otfer music, ~tories, inspirational me~saqes, lanquages and
speeches; ail~ recorded full length and abridged books on tape; and
compact disks offe~inq music. Some books and other visual materials,
and a few magazines, are available in large print, and in the Main
Library, a print enlarger and photocopiers are available to magnify
regular print into large print. All these are limited in size and
subject matter~ A person with a severe visual disability does not have
access to .much fiction, non-fiction, JJlagazines or newspapers.
Magnifyinq glasses are ~lso on hand at all libraries~ The Library
facilitates reqistration with the state Braille and Talking Book
PrC><)Tam.
Some compu'ter catalog'S are accessible at each library for people using
'Wheelchairs. The catalog is not accessible to the -ifi~ually il:lpaired or
those lIlith. li1ni~ed arm/hand/finger motor skills ..... ithout st.aff
&ssistance. Finding solutions and funding sources fc!'
equipment/soft'Wara that 'Would allow independent use of the Library is a
high priority based on community need.
Staff assists the visually impaired, but does not read or record for
them. Services can be improv~d by obtaining more assisting equipment as
funds a.re available. A high priority, based on coll1ltl.unity input from the
two public bearings, is a Rreadinq machine" to allow patrcns to hear
printed material read ~loud by a voice synthesizer~ At present in santa
Clara and Sr.l'1 Mateo Counties, such a machine is available only in
Redwood City. The Liblary ~ould like to consider purchasing a reading
machine to meet local needs and to serve a regional use as well. This
machine would also give visually impaired people access to all printed
City documents~ The Library will seek grant funds for this equipment.
CXR:157:9) 13
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Library staff is alert to people 'W'ith disabilities and available to
provide special hel}:" su.ch as finding books en high shelves and using
equipment~ ~ne volunteer programs also accommodate people with
disa:bilitie$~
Parks and Golf Cour ••
Parks and Golf Course maintains the physical facilities of the city's 28
parks a!"ld the golt course, operates the golt course, and leases and
maintains the physical structure ot the restaurant at the qalf course,
Harry's Hofbrau Ho~se4
As the programs of the put. division are mainly concerned with the
physical facilities, accessibility is largely a function of bringing
these facilities and equipment into compliance. This ~att~r has been
addressed in the cityls Transition Plan for ADA compliance. The City is
not responsible f~r the compliahce of sports leagues and other
organizations that use the facilities.
The GOl~ cour •• is available and acces9ible~ although at present only
one golfer in a wheelchair uses it~ The golt course has not offered
activities specifically designed for individuals with disabilitiQs. At
this time, hO'Ws-ver, t.he. gr:-lf professional has attended "WorKshops to
learn more about opportunities for such activiti~s.
The city is reviewing the services at Harry's Hofbrau, the Golf 3hop and
range as a part of the Golf Master Plan~ In th~ interim, the City is
responsible for notifying i'';5 tenant of his or her responsibility, and
for assuring that any complaints about the tenant are addre6sed •
• ec% .. tion, ap.n space aDd sclenc ••
This division of Co~unity Services has two s~ctions: Recreation and
Open Space and scIence. Both directly involve the public in nearly
every aspect of their proqrams.
aecreation offers special interest classes for adults and for children;
classe.s and other activities exclusively for you~ and for seniors;
therapeutic classes for people 'With physical and some mental
disabilities; and Gpo~ts, including aquatic sports, for children and
adults. Recreation also 5ch~du!es and rents facilities such as picr.ic
areas in parks and playing fields.
All programs and activities are advertised each quarter through Enjoy,
vhir.h is delivered to every residence as a supplement to the Weekly, and
is made available through libraries, other City facilities and
newsstands. To par-ticip.?~ ... e in a class t.r other activity, a resident
lI.ust register by fillir,g out a form, signing a liability 'ttaive'r, and
payinq ~ fee. This can be done on special reqistration days or at the
Lucie Stern center office. Although no alternative forms are available
in braille or lar-qc print, Recreation staff helps anyone who has
difficulty filling out the forms. It has been recommended ~y a
CMR: 157: 93
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r.sident that 5eve~al large print copies of the Enjoy be available at
the Library and Lucie Stern.
No class or activity is closed to individuals with disabilitie~. In
sports, dance, and others programs t~lat require full physical ability,
the staff would refer a person 'With a disability to a super;"Visor or to
the City's .ADA Director if there liere a question about whether that
person could participate.
Most classes
LUcie stern
accessible.,
iMplemented.
and activities are
and Hi tche 11 Park..
or ,..i11 be after
held in the City's community centers,
These, as well as all pa.rks, are
the Transition Plan has been fully
The s:wiTillning pools in Rinconada Park are not presently accessible to
people with mobility impairments. There are no wide stairs, railings,
or other means of lowerinq a person 'Who cannot walk into the pool. The
C~ty is looking into acquiring portable stairs and railings or to
including permanent fixtures in the budget for the pool's next
renovation. I~ will also consider other~ less costly modifications,
such as widening lane dividers. Recreation also offers aquatic programs
at the C.A.R. pool, Which is designed especially for people with
disabilities. The Rinconada Park Pool accessibiJity ~as b~ouqht up at
both public hearings in December and the City has received calls from
three famili6s about when the pool would be made accessible.
The therapeutic program offers recreational activities for individuals
of all ages who have disabilities. The general programs and activities
now ofeered are: (~) Special Olympics training in swimminYJ track and
field, bowling, tennis J basketball, etc.; (2) tha Omega Club I social
club for adults 21-45 years in Which people with all types of
disabilities are involved; (3} the Alpha Club, a social program intended
to help young people with disabilities (13-21 years) become socially
oriented and learn proper behavior in society; and (41 Summer
Adventures, a general camp type active proqra~ for children ages 6-13.
In the therapeutic program, Recreation staff works directly with
organizations in the area that Gerv€ individuals with disabilities, and
throuqh these organi7.ations it advertises its services.
open space. and sciences offers eYnibits and activities at the
Int~rpretive Centers at ~he Baylands, Foothills Park, and the ~unior
MUseum, clasoes at the Junior Museum, an o~treach program in science to
Palo Alto elel!aentary schools, and a zoo holding indigenous animals,
wbich is attached to the Junior Museum.
The InterpretivE Centers are accessible, though the exhibits are
~rimarily visual and do not offer special features for individuals with
visual impairments. Exhibits are not always labeled in large print or
braille. With sufficient notice, interpreters can be scheduled to
accompany naturalists on walks or in other activities, or talking
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(audio tape) tours can be made. Soue roads ~nd trails ~here these walks
take place are not accessible, although others are.
The Junior Museum i~ accessible. Exhibits a~e design~d to ~~ hands-on,
and some allow children to climb and play. Here too, more of an effort
will be made to label exhibits in larqe print~ Classes also inv~lve
phy&ica~ 3ctivity. such as working with science equipment or art
materials. Staff makes a special effort to adapt these for children
'With disabilities. The science outreach program is accessible to
cbildr~n with dis.!'.bilities to the extent that elementary schools arrange
to accoMmodate thesa children.
The Cl1.:!.ld!'en's zca is also accessible. Since the animals are in caqes,
children with vIsual impairments cannot easily enjoy them, although at
tilD.e& st&1'f can make special arrangements to work with these cbildren.
1'1 .... c.
All divisions of the Finance Departmant Accounting Services,
Administration, Budget, Purchasing , Printing services, Real Estate and
Treasury -provide services to the general public and businesses.
The AccoUDtini servic •• Division provides public services in two areas,
Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payahle. The Accounts Receivable
section ~andles inqui~ies regarding miscellaneous billings generated by
the City. Most notab:y. par~medic service billings to both customers,
Medicare and other insurance companies yhich result in significant phone
inquiries. The Accounts Payable section handlFl:s numerous vendors',
contractors' and consultants' inquiries usually by phone.
This division does not print invoices or other documents in large print,
but staff is available to read the document if required. Because most
of the contact is one-on-one, any speCial arrangements can be handled as
requested. The work area is generally accessible, but maneuverability
tor people usinq a wheelchair could be difficult at certain
workstations. staff is available to .meet \,lith the individual in a
conference room or in the front lobby on the first floor if necessary.
The A4ai~i.t~.tioD OivibioD interfaces with the public through one-on
one meeting or phone contact. Examples cf the types of services are
hearinq .eppeals on property transfer or transient occupancy taxes,
business outreach, responding to i3suas/questions on th~ budget, and
supporting the Finance Committee~
There is physical access to the division at City Hall and the division
has the same access to the City TDD as other departments. Because of
the one-cn-one nature of most requests, the division will accommodate
special requests as necessar/~ Meetings are held in accessible rooms.
The BUdget Division, along with the City Manager's office and the
Finance Director, present the proposed annual budget to the Council
Finance Committee~ The meetings are open to the ~ublic as the City
CMR:157:93 16
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deliberates and ar~ives at a budget to put to Council for its approval.
The public participates in this process through opportunities to speak
at"_ Finance Committee meetings and public hearings on the draft budget.
Meetinqs are generally held in the Civic Center in r(..oms that are
aocessible and have listening assistive devices. Pencil and p~per ar-e
also available for people to write comments. $taff or the committee
Chair could read the co~ents aloud. A video tape of the meetings is
available for th::-ee day check out fZ:" •. n:c the Inforuation Reso-..lrces
Department or available for purchase for $10 a tape.
Sud;et dOC'UlElcnts are avail&ole for review by the public in the libraries
iind t'Or SAle at. the Revenue Collections c'Ounter in the lobby of the
Civic Center. B~dqet Division staff is also available by phone or in
person by app'Ointment to ans~er questions on the budget.
The tudqet document is not available in other accessible formats like
large print or on audio tape. 1. qeneral cOJllment Crom: the public
hearings was that certain documents like the budget should be produced
in large print and on audio tape and be available in the Main Library
without a citizen having to request the document be reproduced in
another format and ~ait up to three weeks to receive it.
Budget starr notes that it gets fewe~ than 10 calls annually from the
public with questions rel:ated to the budget. Most. calls {20-40
annually) come from statf in other cities. A ~ore ~ost effective way to
achieve the desired results might be to have members of the public who
have a question and who need assistance to come to City Hall to meet
'With budget staff one on one. A sign language interpreter or other
assistance vould be made available if required.
The PurobaBinq a:Del contraot AdainistratioD and pri.c.tinq and XII 1 linil'
Services Diviaion provides publio services through contacts with
vendors, contractors, consultants, arid those who pur-chase surplus
equipment and supplies. These services usually invclve contact on one
on-one neqotiations or to provide infor1ttation~ Most face-to-face
tran.c;actions take place in the Purcha:s;.ing Office on the first floor of
the Civic Center. The space is very crowded which makes it difficult
for individuals in wheelchairs to get around. Staff can meet in the
Council Conference Room when available, if requir~d. Bids are opened in
public each ~eek in the Council Conference Room.
Surplus supplies are sold through auctions and direct sales at the
warehouse in the ~unicipal Services Center. Though accessible to every
one, this facility has no restro~ms that will accommodate the public,
and doors are not equipped with pressure relief access. As auctions are
usually held twice a year. the war£hnuse facilities are not scheduled to
be retro-fitted. Fully accessible, portable restrooms can be rented i~
the city receives a request prior to the activity. Visually impaired
bidders can }'I.ave the 1 ist of tlvailable surpluG equipm .... .nt rec..d to them,
or an audio tape could be -made available. for che,ckcut from Purchasing.
CHR:157:93 17
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Printinq and mailinq services are provided to all City departments as
well as those agencies or entities which fall under an i~tcrqovernmental
cooperative or assistance designation as provided tor in the Palo Alto
Municipal Code. 'rhe contact with agency is on a: one-one-one basis
usually to discuss a project and negotiate priC!es. staff is also
available to meet at the agency's sit~.
The PUrchasinq and Printinq Services Division has never ~en requested
to provide special assistance to individuals or aqencies, but if the
case arises, the TDD lines, alternative formats fo~ documents, and other
Ber~ices provided to all departments by the City can be used. All bid
documents, sales documer.ts, and contracts state that the city co~plies
with ADA regulations and that those who do business with the City ttust
also "'-OClply.
The ..... 1 •• tat. Division manages the City property. The pul:llic services
provided usually involve one-on-one negotiations, requests for
proposals, lease management, and other real estate related t.ransactions.
As described in the City's lTansition Plan, all city-maintained leased
facilities were reviewed for compliance to meet ADA requirements.
The ~:9&.ury Division/Revenu. Co11ectionB collects payments for utility
bills, by mail, by dirEct deposit at the night drop ~t the Civic center,
and in person in the Civic Center lobby. This division also sells
parking permits and documen"t.s, such as the budget, prepared by City
staff~ As there are several means of paying bills, this activity is
available to all individuals with disabilities. The division can also
serve individuals with disabilities at the lobby counter where permits
and documents are sold. The high counter requires that statf 90 outside
the counter to serve individuals with mobility impairments. The B~ff
will sell permits and documents by phone and mail them to ind~vi~uals
with disabilities who prefer not to come to the counte~.
In addition to collecting revenues, the Tre~sury Division handlt!s
investinq and contracting for financial serVlces, for which public
contacts are handled case by case. All bids, cont:cacts, and other
documentE comply with AGA regulations.
Fire
The Fire Department is fully pre~ared to serve individuals with
disabilities to the same extent that it serves all residents and
businesses in responding to emergencies.
The department also deals ~ith the public in processing fire permits and
in responding to requests for access to haz:ardo\.:!s materials files.
These services are generally provided in the administrative office in
the civic center, which is accessible. Staff can offer indiYidu~l
a~sistance as necessary.
Groups of cnildLen from schools and day care centers frequentiy tour
fire $tations~ The stations are accessible to people with mobility
CHR:157:93
impai"rIDents., and arrangements can be made to accommodate children wt.o
are vision impa:'red or hearing impa.ired upon advance notice.
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for recruitinq, hiring,
and supportinq the profes13ional development ot eJtployees. Thus it plays
a broad and important role in the City's compliance with ADA
req1.'.irements. In an. effort to cake sure that all of its programs and
activities are in compliance, the department is j n the process of
reviewing the following procedures ana pUblications:
EED policy statements and puhli:::ations
• Personnel policies and practices (sick leave, absenteeis~, union
co:r..tracts, terll.'linations, drug testing policies, handbooks, and
merit rules)
• Job classifications
• compensation, promotion, evaluation and job p~ogression syste~s
• Fringe benefits/health insurance programs
Job training materials, methods, and progra~s.
Most reviews have been completed. Those that have not will be completed
by March 1, 1993.
Recruitinq and advertisinq policies and practices meet current ADA
standar~s. Job opportunities are posted in accessible locations as well
as in newspapers, with notices that the City complies with ~A
requir~Jlts. Job opportunities are also posted on a telephone hotline
and mailed to organizations that serve the disabled community. None of
the eliqibility requirements appear to screen out candidates with
disabilities unless the criteria is a job-related physical requirement.
Recruit~~nt brochures include a statement about ADA compliance.
Applications for jobs and job interviews are also accessible, though
applications have not been developed in alternate formatE s".lch as larqe
type or braille. Special dssistance in completing th~ application is
avail3.ble upon request" Interviews 'Will be conducted in accessible
~ocations and will not include questions about disabilities.
Job descri?tions are being reviewed to make sure that they are in
compliance with ADA regulations and that they do not inadvertently or
unnecessarily discriminate against people with disabilities. The city
requires employment tests for certain jobs that require specific skills
such as typing, or strength and aqjlity. These tests and testing sites
are being r~viewed to make sure that they are accessible and measure
only essential functions required for the job. Medical exams, which are
required only after a. conditional offer of employment has been made, a.re
limited to those jobs that require certain physical abilities or
conditions. All employees must complete a medical history
questionnaire, which will be kept in a separate, confidential location,
accessi~le only on a need-to-know basis.
CMR:157:9) 19
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The department has also:
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Posted notice of EEOC re~~irements
Worked ~ith the city Attorney
contractual relationships
Develope~ a checklist for decision
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in accessible locations
to assess the department's
revie~ in cases of discharges
Only one of the four proqra~ provided by Information Re,o~cas, Cable,
directly serves the public. Data proc~ssin9, microcomputer support and
telecommunications are internal services. Info~ation Resources
adminlste~s the franchise with the Cable Communications Co-operative of
Palo }J..lto, Inc., znd thus ensures that residents have access to the
services provided by that comparly. 'J'he department also programs
Government Access Channel 16, providi~g live cablecasts of City Council,
Counc.il Committee, and Board and Commission mee'tings and occasional
special events, Du~in9 the times that no live or taped proqra~s are on
the air, a videotext listing of the City's calendar of events and of
upcoming meeting agendas is run.
cable services are available to anyone within the se~"V'ice area who
subscribes4 The City's progr~ms are likevise available, and
interpreters can De provided to sign meet.ings -with 72 hours notice. The
cablecasting of proqrams make more accessible t'J people ..,ho are
ho~ebound, the regular meetings of City officials, and tne videotext
provides another means of informing people of City events and social
services 4
The Director of Information Resources also administers the ADA
Compliance for the City. Information on the city's compliance is mailed
to members of the Task Force for Disability Awareness, ~mbers of the
Accessibility Standards Advisory Bo ... rd, to a~l ~OC4~ and reqional
service orqanizations, and to individuals who have requested to be added
to the ~ai11nq lis~. The ADA Director also responds to all ADA calls,
written requests for information or complaints.
Pl&llllinq
The department's divisior.s of Planning, Building rnsp~ction,
Environmental protection, al",d Transportation all serve the publiC'
directly, primarily at the public counter on the 5th floor of City Hall,
which is accessible to all people. When helpinq people at the counter,
staff can provide individual assistance by re~ding the materials and
completing the fo~s, if required. People can al~o reach these offices
by mail and by phone.
The Planninq divi~ion supports the P~anning Commission, Architectural
Review Board and Ristor} c Resources Board, and administers zoning
tunctions. This support includes regular pub1ic hearings and meetings
on specific land use issues and decisions. The division also proceS$es
applications for planning entitlements through the appz-opriate decision-
CMR:157:93 20
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making body. It uses various application ferms a:r.d booklets that
explain regu!ations and procedures. Most meetings and office areas are
accessible, although some office spaces are tight. Meetinqs 'With staff
lIelllbers Clln ~ scheduled in conference rooms ""ith ad~/ance notice.
Public meetinqs and hearings are cablecast and recorded on audio tapes,
which can be loaned to people for use at home.
The Bui14inq In8pectioD division issues building permits at the Civic
Center for new construction and renovations., and inspects. completed jotls
at the site of the construction4 Some construction sites are not
acceBsibl~ to individuals with mobility impairments or people who are
vision impaired, but the staff can make arr-an';,ements so that no one is
denied inspection services.
The bvirona.nUl Prot.etion di vision provides information and
assiBtance to staff and the public on environmental matters, programs,
and issues throuqh direct phone contact, a periodic newsletter, the
Environmental Forum, fact sheets, and a periodic meeting of the
Hazardous Materials Coordinating Council (HMCC) at the Civic Center.
The newsletter and fact sheets are distributed by mail and literature
racks in libraries and city far.ilities, and by request. Written
materials are not produced in alternate formats except upon request.
The Transporeation division offers four programs designed to reduce
commuter car traffic and to facilitate transportation for those 'Who do
not drive cars. These programs are (1) bicycle locker rentals at train
stations and downtown, (2) shuttle service between downtown Palo Alto
and stanford University, (3) carpool parking permits, and (4)
paratransit services for petIP1e with Qisabilities~ The paratransit
service is being reviewed by the County. santa Cl3ri! county will
eventually assume the responsibility for this program.
1'0110.
Animal Services, Communications, community ~rime Prevention, Personnel
and Training, Support ser..,.ices, and Traffic Divisions of the Police
Depa~tment ;were reviewed as a part of this report. Administration,
Field Services and Investigative Se!vices deal daily on a one-on-one
basis ~ith each request or incident. and are fully prepared to serve all
residents and businesses in responding to calls and emergencies.
The 1Diaal Service. division has four programs: ~imal Control, Animal
Care, the Spay and Neuter Clinic, and Administration and General.
The Administration and General program includes, in addition to
administration, recording, and reporting tasks, counse~ing pet owners in
training an~ car~. grief counseling for those who have lost pets, humane
education on-site and off-site, and sale of pet supplies. It also
includes the volunteer program. ~hich supplements regular staff ~ork:
exercise, care for and treatment of sheltered animals. and assist the
gene.ral public by phone and in person. There :"'Ire presently 95
volunteers who collectively donate 5.000 hours of service annually. One.
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p.srt-time contract employee administers the v"'lun~eer program, and
anothel' is responsible for the humane education proqram~
The Ar.lmal Services Center pays partictilar consideration to thOSQ with
disabj _ities who take pleasure from pets. The shelter is acce~sible to
people with mobility impairments. Staff helps pet o~ers who are unable
to till out forms or read pamphlets and other literature4 The center
staff visits the homebound as necessary to help with pet care and other
services~ Presentations and materials for humane education are adapted
to meet the needs of particular groups or individuals. The staff is
sensitive to individual needs 4 The program cooperates with a number of
organizations that serve ind.ividuals with disabilities:.
The Animal contrel program includes activities to control rabies amonq
animals, to license pets, and to issue and monitor permit~ for livestock
and other ani-mala. Much of this .ork is done off-site, and staff
members are trained to work with disabled persons who have pets.
The Animal Care program provides for the adopti':m of pets and the
placement and the care of stray pets. Although residents are invited to
bring their pets to the s~elter in order: to place them for adoption and
to visit the shelter to select adoptable pets, staft c~n transport pets
to and from people who are homebound. Most parts of the shelter are
accessible, and arranqements can be made for people who cannot acceSs
the gravel yard where s~me a~imals play.
Tt,41 Spay and Neuter C] inic offers pet owners surgical procedures .. tests,
and tattoos for tbeir pets. Host owners ~op off their pets at the
center for this service. Staff can pick up pets when necassary. Staff
also helps people complete the ~clinic C3rd-that provides information
pertinent to the surgery, if requested. The facility is completely
accessible~
The CC"UAicationa division of the Police Department responds to
emergency calls and dispa"tches emergency vehicles in response. The
service is provided only over the phone, and a TOO line is .available
exclusively to this division for responding to the hearing or speech
imDaired. At the scene, officers make every effort to help any person
with a disability wbo is present.
The divisio~ has a roster of people in the community who speaK foreign
languages or can interpret for the hearing impaired and are available to
help in emergencies~
The co.-unity crise ?reveution division ru~s three programs that involve
the public: Special events held for groups; home and business security
assistance; and the volunteer program~ Each of thes~ is publicized and
presented in response to requests. Events are nearly always held off
site and can be tailor4:!!:d to the specific needs of the requestors.
Whether or not an event is accessible de:pends on the site, but
accessible sites are ancouraqed. Interpreters can be made available
throuqh the City contract with Deaf Services of Palo _,Ito 'Within 72
r:MR:157:9J 22
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hours, and printed materials can be read aloud. The volunteer proqr~m
works on a:1. individual basis, and individ~als 'With disabilities are
acconJodated~
The ~.raonnel an4 Training ~ivision has broad responsibilities, most of
'Which de not involve cocmur.ication with the general public. The
division handles citiz~ns complaints and must ensure that individuals
with disabilities have access to complaint ch~nnels and to responses to
those compl~ints. These are handled on an individual basis. and every
aesns is taken to cemmunicate ~ith a complainant.
The Support servic •• division carries out moa:;t activities that take
pla,ce between the department and the publir; at the counter of the pC'lice
department office and qeneral information exchanges that tak~ place over
the phone: taking police reports. fingerprinting and photoqraphinq
meD1bers of th-a public, releasing property, siqninq off citations,
copying and sellinq police records, preparing correspondence to be
mailed to the public, and providing general police information to the
public~ All of tbese services arC! acvessible; staff can accommodate
individual needs case by case,
Officers in the Traffic division ha.ve contact with the public in
enforcing traffic, removal of abandoned vehicles, parkinq ~nforcement.
noise cOIllplaints and other City ordinances~ Traffic officers also speak
to groups as representatives of 'dhe Police Department. Traffic
enforcemsnt activities do not discriminate against individuals with
disabilit.ies. Public speaking engagements are held at the site of the
qroup requesting a speaJ.:er. With advance notice I the speaker can
arrange for an interpreter, print mat~rials in large type or braille, or
other -',ssistance as required~
The department has t~o staff members who can interpr~t for the hearinq
impair~dt and an officer in the field can call tor this assistance.
Public ."rlts
Three divisions of the Department of Public Works have direct contact
with the general public: EngineerLlg~ wastewater Quality control, and
Operations. The Engineering division proce~ses permit applications for
street openings, street encroaclunents. FEMA (Flood plain), private
development plans, utility locations and subdivisions. Staff receives
requests at counters on the fifth ana sixth floors~ which are accessible
at the civic center, and 'Over t.he phone. Special arrange1Der.ts carl be
madE. to assist in completinq permit application, if requested. The
divi:;ion also communicates '"iith some members of the public during the
preparation of capital improvement projects through the use of the
telephone, printed. material, or a public meeting in an accessible
facility to infurm those 'W'ho might be directly affected by the project
or plans, and to get ~~eir responses to those plans.
The waatevater Quality co~trol division issues industrial waste permits
in order to control and reduce discharges of pollutants from industrial
CMR:157:9) 23
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facilities to the sanitary se~er. These permits are often issued on
site, so that the applicant need not come to the city offices. The
divisi~n occasionally holds meetings at it& administrative office or at
~he Cult~ ~1 Center with representatives ot plants that discharge sewage
to discU9S new requirements. Both facilities are accessible.
The Water Quality Control plant offers tours of its operation to
individuals and qroups. Because the tour inV'olves climbing many stairs,
a modified tour is available for individuals with mObility impairments.
This tour covers the essential information of the full-lenqth tour.
The Op.r~~ioaa divi5ion operates the landfill and the recycling center,
~hich is operated by PASCO under contract to the City, and the recycling
center can be toured by members of the public. 'l'he landfill program,
'Which allows residents to dispose of solid waGte materials, and the
recycling center, which allows them to d.ispose of salvageable materials,.
are both accessible to res:i.dents whO) are able to transport their
disposables to the site. S~aff can offer assistance, thouqh regulations
prohibit staft from re~oving ~aterials from cars.
The division maintains streets, side~alx9f sto~ drains, trees, etc. It
receiv~s requests for services in these areas as well as compl.s.ints
about particular problems~ Residents can communicatE=: requests and
complaints in writing or by phone. Prior to doing wcrk on city streets
or sidewalks,. field staff notify residents in writing vho may be
affected by the project and post ~no parking" signs as ~ecessary.
IltiliU ..
The depar~ent has two divisions with programs that must be accessible
to All members of the public (Resource Management and Administrative
SerJices) aDd others that serve residents by responding to inqlJirie.s
over the phone and at th~ counter (Engineering and Cperations--for both
electric and water-gas-wastewater services).
The Re.ource H!:.A&q_ent division {specifically the Reeource CQu •• rvatioD
se~tionl offers educational, technical, and financidl programs to
residents, businesses, and managers of large facilities. EdUcational
ac"tivities teach people how to conserve water and enerqy. Financial
activities provide for loans,. rebates or other funding assi,:;,tal"'.ce.
Technical assistance includes analyses of energy and \II,'ater use for
decision makers at facilities. Although most information is provided in
written formats, the staff also makes pr~sentations and holds workshops
on request for homeowners associations, citizen and school groups, and
others.
Services ~t the Civic Center ar~ accessible; the hearing impaired can be
served by written communication or by using arJ interpreter, and the
vision impaired can be helped individually by having SONeone read aloud
or discuss the contents of written ma't_erials. The accessibility of on
site presentations depends largely on the organizers of those events,.
though the division staff can bring aids if notified in advance.
0!R:157:93 24
.6
_________ ' .. __ .... _________ ... ________ ....... =_._ .......... ZW ........... lllm .......... _
\
The division of Ad.alnlatrative service. has cl)st.omer service
representatives who initiate utilities se~i~e fer new customers and
terminate utilities service for departing customers. staff interacts
with customers by telephone and at the counter, ma'kes credit'". checks,
conveys City poli.cy on utilities hook-ups, quotes rates, provides
literature., arid refers callers to the appropriate office. Staff also
assists the public in service connections, expansions, and upgrades;
provides loans for undergrounding utilities; and verifies with MSC statf
that customers receive timely service.
All of these 6ervices are accessible at the Civic C~nter, where staff
can help individuals with disabilities fill out the necessary forms, and
questions can :be answered verbally or in writing. The offices are
accessible; counters are toe high for whp.elchair users, but staff can go
outside the counter, where table and chairs are available. The counters
will be made accessible in tile-1993-94 fiscal year as a part of the
Transition Plan capital project~ As on other floors, the glass doors
leadint; from the elevator lobbies can be difficult to open from a
whee1chair even though the door frame itself is ~ide enough for access.
Opening devices are being investigated by facilities staff.
A valid driver's license is usuelly r""quested as identification for
initiating utilities service, but staff will accept a eID card
(California ro card available fro~ the DMV), a social security card, or
other means of identification from people who do not hay ' a driver's
license~
The Bngin"ziD9 and OperatioDs divisio~s (both the electrical and water
gas-wastewater) have limited contact with the public~ Staff answers
questions of residents at the counter and by telephone. At the Civic
center and at construction sites, statf deals with contractors and
others who are a~ranqinq for the hook-up of utilities~ The division
staff can help people on an individual basis with filling out forms or
interpreting instructions.
CliR:157:SJ 25
, _______ ~ ........ ~"" .......... OD .. ~4 .. OM .... ~ .... PL ....... ~ .............................. -=aI .. ~~ .. ~~ ...... 1I
,
Exhibit I of Attac~ent A
Summa.r}" of Methods CUrrently used to Serve the Disabled*
Pi.ability
Blind and visually Impaired
Service Methods
• Respond to question": orally
Read written material aloud as
requested
• Air Council meetings on xzsu radio
Produce written material in large
print or braille upon request
• Provide print enl~rqer at Main
Library
• Magnifiers availabl~ at all LibraIie~
Provide personal assistance as
:r~quested
• Provide selected large print an4
~talkinq" book collections
oea~ and Hearing Impaired Listening assistance devices in
Council Chambers and Theaters
CIIR:151:93
• TOO available in ADA Director 1 s
Offie"
911 TOO service made available
Interpreter provided as requested
• Pen and paper avail~bl~ at all public
counters
Allow mail-in forms
• Convert signage to use visual cues
• Using .... ideotext bulletin board on
Cable TV Channel 16 to broadcast City
events
26
•
.. '.'
pisability
Mentally Impaired
ServicE! Me tbods
Assist and/or answer questions
willin~ly and provide directions
• Converted siqnage to use visual cues
Mobility Impail'ud Relocate a program or service to
accessible area it necess~ry
1'4de necessary structural changes to
eliminate barrle43
-installed ramps
-widened doorways
• will provide personal assistance, if
requested, to reach materials
• pr.,)vidinq homebound library services
upon request
• Providing at least one comp~ter
catalog table in ~ach library ~hat is
wheelchair accessibl~
* Nat all accommoaations yould apply in all cases. Each case is
reviewed on an individ~al basis to determine th~ appropriate
aCCOlallodation.
CI!R:157:93 27
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Exhibit II of Attachment A
Improvements being Reviewed to add to services
pisability
Blind and visually Impaired
Deaf and Bearing Impaired
Mentally Impaired
CMR:157:93
,
ReCommended ImprQVp.~
• Provide Annual Report/flyers/form4 in
larqe print, hraille or cassette
format
• Provide audio Rt~lk" tapes of new
exhibits
• Recruit volunteer readers for library
patrons
Provide machine that vocally reads
printed naterials
• Provide library catalog computer .... ith
software/hardware tbat wil .... enlarge
im~ges and/or read aloud what is on
the screer and/or has adaDtaticns for
people una.ole 'to use a keyboard
• Improve labeling of materials for
easier identification
• Upgrade listeninq assistance devices
in Community and Children's Theaters
to accommodate descriptive services
• Provide Oe~cribers for two shows
annually at Com:unity and Children's
Theaters
• Install volume amplification devices
for ·courtesy ~hones· at lib~aries
• Place second TDO at Mai.n Library
• Post ~i9ns regarding availability of
special assistance
Replace caption decoder with a new
model that ie ea~ier to use
Specialized training for public
.::ounter staff
sensitivity training
28
, ,
Disah! 1 ity
Mobility Impairments
General
CJ(R'157 ,93
Recommended Improvement
Locate signe at 54-including at end
of hook stacks
• Lewer one photocopier at Main Library
Purchase curbside book return at
libraries where physically possible
Provide book grabbers an%r
pushcarts for self retrieval of
materials
• Install portable ramp 0: other
assistive devices at Rinconada Pool
to provide access for free swim
activities .
• Provide fax machines at two
additional lihraries and other hiqh
use facilities to fax information
directly to offices/homes ot tha
disabled
29
".
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