Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information

The City of Gig Harbor in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by contacting the Human Resources Department at (253) 851-6170.

 

Title II Statement
 In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 ("ADA"), the City of Gig Harbor will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities.


Title VI Statement

The City of Gig Harbor, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award.


Annual Title VI Compliance Documents:

For persons with hearing or speech disabilities, please use the Washington Telecommunication Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or the following numbers for specific communications methods:

Gig Harbor Municipal Court

Instructions and Information about Requests for Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities (ADA Requests)


Court Contact:

Gig Harbor Municipal Court

3510 Grandview Street

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

court@cityofgigharbor.net

253-851-7808

 

Generally:

  • Courts provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who require assistance to participate fully in a court proceeding or activity.
  • Accommodation requests can be granted to any person with a disability for whom such accommodation is necessary under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213), the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60 et seq.), or other local, state, or federal laws.
  • The court will make its decision in each case individually after considering the nature of the person’s disability and the ability of the court to provide the requested accommodation.
  • The court will give primary consideration to the type of accommodation the person requests.    

Process.

  • The formal procedure is in Washington State General Rule (GR) 33.  
  • Request for Accommodation:  The court will promptly address requests for aids, modifications, and services to ensure access to courts, court programs, and court proceedings.
  • Timing:  Requests should be made as far in advance as possible.   
  • Local procedures allowed: A court may provide some simple accommodations, such as an assisted listening device, without requiring the Request for Accommodation form.  (For more information, ask the court contact).  

Procedure for Requesting Accommodation. To request an accommodation: 

  • Complete the Request for Accommodation form. If you cannot fill out the form or have questions, talk to the court contact listed above. 
  • Return your request form and any documents you want the court to consider to the court contact.
  • The Court may contact you for more information.  

You do not need to notify anyone in the case about your request for accommodation.


If you provide medical and other health information, it must be filed under seal so that only you and the court can read it. Attach it to the form called the:

Sealed Medical and Health Information Cover Sheet under GR 33 form number WPF All Cases 01.0300.  
No one else can have access to your information unless they get a court order that allows access.


Decision.  The court will inform you of its decision to grant or deny the request for accommodation.  Your request will be granted unless the court finds: 

  • You have failed to satisfy the substantive requirements of GR 33; or
  • The court is unable to provide the requested accommodation on the date of the proceeding and the proceeding cannot be continued without significant prejudice to a party; or
  • Permitting you to participate in the proceeding with the requested accommodation would create a direct threat to the health or safety or wellbeing of you or others.
  • The requested accommodation would create an undue financial or administrative burden for the court; or would fundamentally alter the nature of the court service, program, or activity.
    • An accommodation may be denied based on a fundamental alteration or undue burden only after considering all resources available for the funding and operation of the service, program, or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.
    • If a fundamental alteration or undue burden would result from fulfilling the request, the Court must still ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, you receive the benefits or services provided by the court. 

Denial.  If your requested accommodation is denied, the court must specify the reasons for the denial (including the reasons the proceeding cannot be continued without prejudice to a party).  The court must also ensure that you are informed of your right to file an ADA complaint with the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.


Sealing Decision.  The court will determine whether or not to seal the written decision.

The court will enter the decision in the proceedings file, if there is one.  If there is no proceedings file, the decision will be entered in the court’s administrative file.


Public Works ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan for the Public Right-of-Way

On December 13, 2021, the City adopted an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Self-Assessment and Transition Plan (Plan) for the City’s public right-of-way facilities in compliance with federal and state law.


The City of Gig Harbor is committed to providing equal access to its public right-of-way facilities for all citizens including those with disabilities.

 

The City focused its efforts on prioritizing existing curb ramp barriers within City limits for barrier removal. The City established policies and procedures set by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The public had an opportunity to provide input and comment on the draft Plan. 


Subsequent Plan updates intend to further identify and address barriers in remaining City public right-of-way facilities (i.e., outstanding curb ramps, sidewalks, and driveway interface with sidewalks) City building, park and trail facilities, and City services, programs, and activities.

To satisfy the requirements set forth by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (CFR 28 Part 35), and WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines Manual (Chapter 29), this ADA Transition Plan:

  • Identifies physical and communicative barriers in the City of Gig Harbor’s public right-of-way facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs, services, or activities to individuals with disabilities; 
  • Describes the methods to be used to make the facilities, programs, services, or activities accessible;
  • Provides a schedule for making necessary modifications to provide better access and achieve compliance; and 
  • Identifies the public official responsible for implementation of the Plan.

The City of Gig Harbor’s Public ADA Notice provides more information on the precedent for ADA compliance and the City’s legal responsibilities. 

ADA Coordinator Contact for the Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan for the Public Right-of-Way

Jeff Langhelm, ADA Coordinator, Public Works Director

3510 Grandview Street

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

253-851-6170

Washington Telecommunication Relay Services: 7-1-1

Email: ADACoordinator@gigharborwa.gov

 

To submit a grievance using Microsoft Word, please click here. To submit a grievance using a PDF fillable form, click here.

Documents

The ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan and Appendices are posted below. This Plan was adopted by Resolution 1226 on December 13, 2021.


City of Gig Harbor ADA Self-Valuation and Transition Plan