Jasper County Community Services, Inc. is non-profit corporation that has been serving the community through federal, state and county funded programs and services since 1975. Today JCCS’s outreach to the residents of Jasper County is provided through three senior/nutrition centers, which are located in Rensselaer, DeMotte and Remington, Indiana. Through the many programs and services Jasper Count
y Community Services is reaching people across our county through these efforts. Striving to maintain the independence of those who have come to depend on the services, JCCS grows each year in programs and services throughout the county. Each center offers a diverse schedule of events and activities. JCCS strives to involve the entire community reaching all ages in decision-making and advisory roles in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs. JCCS researches, studies and documents the needs, problems and opportunities related to rural community of Jasper County. Special attention is given to social and income needs, employment, health, nutrition and physical care, housing, living arrangements, family relations, education and pre-retirement training through programs and services. Social, wellness, and informational programs and workshops are provided weekly at each of the three centers to meet the needs of the participants at the centers and as a positive community resource. The people of Jasper County look to JCCS to meet their needs through Congregate Meals, Public Transportation, Energy Assistance and Education, Weatherization, Preventative Health Programs and Community Workshops. The Social and Community events are offered in addition to the other programs at each of the three centers. From service programs to popular social and community events JCCS is an organization invested in the people, their needs, interests and future. Reasonable Modification Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of the reasonable modification policy is to ensure that Jasper County Community Services, Inc., (hereafter referred to as JCCS) offers equal and effective opportunities and access to public transportation services for persons with disabilities and full compliance with the provisions of the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
2. Policy
JCCS is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, services and activities. JCCS recognizes that in order to have equally effective opportunities and benefits, individuals with disabilities may need reasonable modifications to policies and procedures. JCCS will adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable modifications, as necessary, to afford equal access to programs for persons with disabilities. JCCS does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, participation in, or receipt of services and benefits under any transit program or activity. JCCS will take appropriate steps to ensure that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate. No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of JCCS, or be subject to discrimination by JCCS.
3. Reasonable Modifications
A reasonable modification is a change or exception to a policy, practice, or procedure that allows disabled individuals to have equal access to programs, services, and activities. JCCS will make reasonable modifications to policies, practices and procedures when necessary to ensure access to transit services for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless:
* Making the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the public transportation service.
* Making the accommodation would create a direct threat to the health or safety of other passengers.
* The individual with a disability is able to fully use JCCS’s service without the accommodation being made. For the purposes of this section, the term reasonable accommodation shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the term ‘‘reasonable modifications’’ as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II regulations at 28 CFR 35.130(b)(7), and not as it is defined or interpreted for the purposes of employment discrimination under Title I of the ADA (42 U.S.C. 12111–12112) and its implementing regulations at 29 CFR part 1630.
4. Eligibility Criteria
An individual is eligible to be considered to receive a reasonable modification if that individual has: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of such impairment; or been regarded as having such impairment.
5. Requests for Reasonable Modifications
JCCS shall make information about how to contact JCCS to make requests for reasonable modifications readily available to the public through its website and rider policy guidelines. Page 1
JCCS shall follow these procedures in taking requests:
• Individuals requesting modifications shall describe what they need in order to use the service.
• Individuals requesting modifications are not required to use the term ‘‘reasonable modification’’ when making a request. Personnel at JCCS will determine if the request represents a reasonable modification and proceed in accommodating the request accordingly.
• Whenever feasible, JCCS requests that individuals make such requests for modifications before JCCS is expected to provide the modified service. Where a request for modification cannot practicably be made and determined in advance (e.g., because of a condition or barrier at the destination of a paratransit or demand response trip of which the individual with a disability was unaware until arriving), operating personnel shall make a determination of whether the modification should be provided at the time of the request. Operating personnel may consult with JCCS’s management before making a determination to grant or deny the request. Requests for accommodation may be made either orally or in writing. The reasonable accommodation process begins as soon as the request for accommodation is made. The request can be submitted in any written format. Alternative means of filing a request, such as personal interviews, phone calls, or taped requests, will be made available for persons with disabilities if unable to communicate their request in writing or upon request.
6. Interactive Process
When a request for accommodation is made, JCCS and the individual requesting an accommodation must engage in a good faith interactive process to determine what, if any accommodation shall be provided. The individual and JCCS must communicate with each other about the request, the process for determining whether an accommodation will be provided, and the potential accommodations. Communication is a priority throughout the entire process.
7. Time Frame for Processing Requests and Providing Reasonable Modification
JCCS will process requests for reasonable accommodation and then provide accommodations, where appropriate, in as short a time frame as reasonably possible. JCCS recognizes, however, that the time necessary to process a request will depend on the nature of the accommodation(s) requested and whether it is necessary to obtain supporting information.
8. Granting a Reasonable Modification Request
As soon as JCCS determines that a reasonable accommodation will be provided, that decision shall be immediately communicated to the individual. This notice must be in writing in order to maintain the required information for reporting purposes. Upon request, alternative means of response will be provided. In choosing among alternatives for meeting nondiscrimination and accessibility requirements with respect to new, altered, or existing facilities, or designated or specified transportation services, JCCS shall give priority to those methods that offer services, programs, and activities to qualified individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
9. Denying a Reasonable Modification Request
As soon as JCCS determines that a request for reasonable accommodation will be denied, JCCS will communicate the basis for the decision in writing to the individual requesting the modification. Page 2
The explanation for the denial will clearly state:
• The specific reasons for the denial;
• Any alternative accommodation that may create the same access to transit services as requested by the individual; and
• The opportunity to file a complaint relative to JCCS’s decision on the request.
10. Complaint Process
JCCS has a process for investigating and tracking complaints from qualified individuals. These procedures shall be posted on JCCS’s website and will be provided to any individual where JCCS has denied a request for accommodation. The process and any forms necessary to file a complaint are readily available from the web. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews, phone calls, or taped requests, will be made available for persons with disabilities if unable to communicate their request in writing or upon request. Any person who believes she or he has been discriminated against in obtaining a reasonable modification may file a complaint by completing and submitting a JCCS’s Reasonable Modification Complaint Form. JCCS investigates complaints received no more than 30 days after receipt. JCCS will process complaints that are complete. Once the complaint is received, the complainant will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. If more information is needed to resolve the complaint, Boone Area JCCS may contact the complainant. The complainant has 30 business days from the date of the letter to send requested information to JCCS. If JCCS is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within 30 business days, JCCS may administratively close the complaint. In addition, a complaint may be administratively closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case. After JCCS investigates the complaint, a decision will be rendered in writing to the complainant. JCCS will issue either a Letter of Closure or Letter of Finding. Letter of Finding – This letter will summarize the complaint, any interviews conducted regarding the complaint, and explains what actions will be taken by JCCS to address the complaint. Letter of Closure – This letter will explain why JCCS has determined that the complaint does not merit accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and that the complaint will be closed. If the complainant disagrees with the decision of JCCS, an opportunity to appeal the decision may be pursued provided the complaint files notice of appeal within 21 days of the initial decision of JCCS. In the event of appeal, the complainant will be granted all due process, including the ability to be present additional evidence, present the case in person during an appeal hearing, and to be represented by counsel.
11. Designated Employee
JCCS shall designate one official within the organization responsible for processing reasonable modification requests and handling complaints. This individual is:
Kelly Bauer, Director of Transportation
Jasper County Community Services, Inc.
967 E Leopold Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
(219) 866-8071 or [email protected]
12. Record Retention
JCCS will maintain all records related to reasonable modification requests and denials for at least three (3) years. Page 3
Reasonable Modification Program Complaint Form
Section I:
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home): _______________________________________ Telephone (Work): _________________________
Electronic Mail Address:
Accessible Format Requirements? Large Print Audio Tape
TDD Other
Section II:
Are you filing this complaint on your own behalf? Yes* No
*If you answered "yes" to this question, go to Section III. If not, please supply the name and relationship of the person for whom you are complaining:
Please explain why you have filed for a third party:
Please confirm that you have obtained the permission of the aggrieved party if you are filing on behalf of a third party. Yes No
Section III:
Date that Reasonable Modification was Denied (Month, Day, Year): _____________________________
Explain as clearly as possible what happened and why you believe you should have received the modification request. Describe all persons who were involved. Include the name and contact information of the person(s) (if known) as well as names and contact information of any witnesses. If more space is needed, please use the back of this form. You may also attach other items that you think are relevant.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Section IV
Have you previously filed a complaint with this agency? Yes No
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Notice to the Public
To make JCCS riders aware of its commitment to Title VI compliance, and their right to file a civil rights complaint, JCCS has presented the following information, in English, on its website. www.jaspercountycommunityservices.com
Your Civil Rights
JCCS Transit (JCCS) operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other statutes and authorities that prohibit discrimination in Federally assisted programs and activities. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title IV may file a complaint with JCCS. For more information on JCCS’s civil rights program and the procedures to file a complaint, please contact 219-866-8071; email [email protected] or visit our administrative office at 967 E Leopold Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978 from 8am to 4pm Monday-Friday. A complaint may also be filed directly with the FTA, Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington DC 20590. For more information about JCCS programs and services, visit www.jaspercountycommunityservices.com. If information is needed in another language, please contact 219-866-8071. Discrimination Complaint Procedures
JCCS has established a process for riders to file a complaint under Title VI. Any person who believes that she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin by JCCS may file a Title IV complaint by completing and submitting the agency’s Title VI Complaint form available at our administrative offices or on our website jaspercountycommunityservices.com. JCCS will notify INDOT of all formal complaints within five business days of receiving the complaint. The Procedure
If you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by JCCS on the basis of race, color, or national origin you have the right to file a complaint with JCCS Transportation Director. Methods of filing a complaint:
Complete the Complaint Form, and send it to:
By mail: Jasper County Community Services, Inc. 967 E Leopold Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978
Email to: [email protected]
Verbal complaints are accepted and transcribed by the Transportation Director. To make a verbal complaint, call 219-866-8071 option 1 and ask for the Transportation Director. JCCS investigates complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident. Once the complaint is received, JCCS will review it and the complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing them whether the complaint will be investigated by JCCS. JCCS has up to thirty days to investigate the complaint. If more information is needed to resolve the case, the JCCS may contact the complainant. The complainant has thirty days from the date of the letter to send requested information to the investigator assigned to the case. If the JCCS investigator is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within thirty days, JCCS can administratively close the case. A case can be administratively closed also if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case. After the investigator reviews the complaint, one of two letters will be issued to the complainant: a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed. A LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the staff member, or other action will occur. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has ten days after the date of the letter or the LOF to do so. A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration, at:
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
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Jasper County Community Services, Inc. Consolidated Civil Rights Complaint Form
Jasper County Community Services, Inc. is responsible for ensuring proper implementation of several civil rights laws and programs, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, and the External Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program. In the complaint investigation process, we analyze the complainant's allegations for possible deficiencies by our transit provider. If deficiencies are identified, they are presented to the transit provider and assistance is offered to correct the inadequacies within a predetermined timeframe. Please mail or submit your completed form to:
Jasper County Community Services, Inc. Transportation Director
967 E Leopold Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
[email protected]
If you have questions about how to prepare a complaint, you may contact us at 1-888-888-8888. More information about transit-related civil rights requirements may be found on the FTA’s website at www.fta.dot.gov. Important: We cannot accept your complaint without a signature, so please sign on the last page of the form after printing out. Section I
I believe that I have been (or someone else has been) discriminated against based on:
Race / Color / National Origin
Disability
Not Applicable Other (specify)
I believe that a public transit provider has failed to comply with the following program requirements:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise External Equal Employment Opportunity Title VI
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Other(specify)
Section II
Name:
Street Address:
City: State:
Zip Code:
Telephone Numbers:
Home:
Cell:
E-Mail Address:
Accessible format requirements:
Large Print Not Applicable Other
Section III
Are you filing this complaint on your own behalf? Yes No
[If you answered “yes” to this question, go to Section IV.]
If not, please supply the name and relationship of the person for whom you are complaining:
Please explain why you have filed for a third party:
Please confirm that you have obtained the permission of the aggrieved party if you are filing on behalf of a third party:
Yes No
Section IV
Have you previously filed a civil rights complaint with our agency? If yes, what was the date? Yes No
Have you filed this complaint with any of the following agencies? Transit Provider Department of Transportation
Department of Justice Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Other
If yes, please attach a copy of any response you received to your previous complaint. Have you filed a lawsuit regarding this complaint? Yes No
If yes, please provide the case number and attach any related material. Section V
Name of public transit provider complaint is against:
Contact person Title
Telephone number
Section VI
May we release your identity and a copy of your complaint to the transit provider? Yes No
Note: We may be unable to investigate your allegations without permission to release
your identity and complaint. Please sign here: Date:
Note: We cannot accept your complaint without a signature.
