Disability Accessibility Program

The Disability Accessibility Program was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in September, 1984. It ensures equal access to County programs, services and employment for individuals with disabilities.

It provides:

• Citizens Disability Advisory Committee
• Grievance Process
• Public Notice Assurances
  
  

Alachua County Human Rights Ordinance

The Alachua County Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, housing or public accommodations within the geographic boundaries of Alachua County.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• Prohibits discrimination in employment, programs or services based on disability by any agency, program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
• Prohibits denial of equal access to County services.
• Provides for public notices and assurances.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination including denial of the equal enjoyment of goods, programs or services based on disability.

Who is covered?

Americans who have:

• A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities of the individual; a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment
• Major life activities are basic activities that the average person can perform with little or no difficulty (i.e. caring for oneself, walking, sitting, lifting, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, thinking, working or performing major bodily functions.
  
  

Alachua County Policy on Service Animals

A service animal is a dog (or miniature horse in some cases) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Any person accompanied by a service animal is allowed to enter County owned or occupied buildings, and is allowed access to whatever areas the public is generally allowed, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Persons with disabilities accompanied by service animals are not required to carry documentation of their disability or identification of the animal.

Citizens Disability Advisory Committee (CDAC)

• The committee reviews Alachua County programs, services, communications and facilities for accessibility.
• The committee members are volunteers representing various disabilities and agencies.
• The County Manager appoints the members and they assist the Equal Opportunity Manager in complying with Section 504 and the ADA.

Learn more about the Citizens Disability Advisory Committee

Equal Access

Alachua County will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in County programs, services and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing or vision impairments.

Please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at least three business days prior to the event.

ALACHUA COUNTY EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OFFICE
12 S​E 1st Street – 1st Floor
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-5275 (Voice)
(352) 338-3205 (Fax)
TTY users call please call 711 (FL Relay)