Policy On Nondiscrimination On the Basis of Disability 
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Palm Desert ("City") does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the City's services, programs or activities, or employment practices. 

The ADA and The City of Palm Desert
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted on July 26, 1990, provides comprehensive rights and protections to individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, State and local government services, and telecommunications. The goal of the ADA is to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. The ADA prohibits all state and local governments and most private businesses from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA covers qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, persons with a record of such impairment, and persons regarded or perceived as having such an impairment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and portions of California law protect people with disabilities from discrimination. These state and federal laws ensure that persons with disabilities have communication access; facility access; employment accommodations; program access; and policies, procedures, and practices that avoid discrimination.

The City of Palm Desert works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to City programs, services, activities, and facilities. The ADA/504 Coordinator for the City of Palm Desert works in the Department of Public Works and coordinates the City's efforts to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. For those planning special events or activities on City property, following the special event ADA awareness information for ADA compliance is encouraged and expected.

In addition to ensuring physical access to City programs and services, the ADA/504 Coordinator advises City employees about how to integrate people with disabilities into City programs and activities. The ADA/504 Coordinator is available to answer questions from both citizens and City employees about accommodating persons with disabilities.

The ADA does not require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Removing barriers to accessibility, however, is not only the law, but also a commitment on the part of the City of Palm Desert. The City works to accomplish the following:

• Elimination of requirements that do not allow a person with a disability to participate in a service, program, or activity simply because he or she has a disability;
• Elimination of unnecessary eligibility rules or standards;
• Modification of programs, policies, practices, and procedures when necessary;
• Providing auxiliary aids when necessary to ensure effective communication;
• Providing appropriate signage and structural communication; and
• Elimination of physical barriers to programs and services.

The City of Palm Desert continually strives to eliminate barriers that may prevent persons with disabilities from employment opportunities, access to City facilities, or participation in programs, activities, and services. The City is committed to making its facilities, programs, services, and events accessible to its citizens and the general public.

The Internet in general and the City's Web site in particular provide an alternative medium for accessing information about City programs, services, and events. Efforts are being made to ensure that the City Web site meets all federal accessibility standards.

Requests for a City program, service, or activity to be made accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator using the Request for Reasonable Accommodation.

If the City has not responded to your requests for accommodation in a satisfactory manner you may request an ADA Grievance form through the City Clerk's Office, or download one here.

Resources

• City of Palm Desert Resolution
• Official City Notice
• Palm Desert ADA Strategic Plan For the Future
• Request for Reasonable Accommodation
• Special Event ADA Awareness Information