ADA Guide for Small Towns

E) Alternate Services.

A town can make its services, programs, or activities accessible by relocating them to an accessible site or offering them in an alternate way that is accessible. A town should consider the integration requirements of the ADA, which require that priority be given to measures that will provide the service, program, or activity in the most integrated setting appropriate. For small towns, alternate service may include meeting with an individual with a disability in his or her home to fill out specific forms if the town office is not accessible. It may also include curb service to pick up or deliver an item. However, in some cases alternate service is not appropriate. If a town meeting is scheduled to be held on the second floor of a building without an elevator and a person using a wheelchair wishes to attend the meeting, the meeting should be relocated to an accessible space, unless it would result in undue financial or administrative burdens. Making the person sit by themselves on the first floor and watch the meeting on a television monitor or having them watch the meeting at home is not a desirable alternative because it does not give the person with a disability an equal opportunity to interact with officials and other participants.