Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

City Compliance with the Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a comprehensive federal civil law that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Act requires the city to designate an ADA Coordinator who coordinates the city's ADA compliance efforts. The Act also requires the city to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to city programs, meetings, activities, and services. Modifications to city policies and/or physical structures are necessary for the city to accomplish this.

Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities

If you have a disability, please create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss with them your needs and make sure they know how to operate any necessary equipment. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. Keep extra:

  • Wheelchair batteries
  • Oxygen
  • Catheters
  • Medication
  • Food for service animals
  • Or other items you might need

Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.

Individuals with Disabilities Attending a City Sponsored Meeting

If you plan to attend a public meeting or activity sponsored by the City and, due to a disability, require assistance in order to understand or participate in the meeting, please notify the City Clerk's office by calling 805-646-5581, ext. 120 as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours in advance and every effort will be made to provide the assistance that you require. The City has a hearing loop system in Council Chambers for public meetings.

City Compliance Efforts

The ADA provides comprehensive civil rights protections to qualified individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, state and local government services, and telecommunications. A primary goal of the ADA is to ensure equal participation in public life for all Americans with disabilities. Title II of the Act covers programs, services, and activities of public entities, such as the City of Ojai. ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

The City has completed an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to comply with the Title II requirements for accessibility to City programs, services, and activities, the Plan:

  • Evaluates existing policies, procedures, and practices as they pertain to the City's programs, services, and activities
  • Identifies physical obstacles in the public entity's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with disabilities
  • Assess the extent of architectural barriers to program accessibility in the public rights-of-way and within parks and other facilities operated by the City
  • Estimates costs for mitigation solutions
  • Provides a schedule for barrier removal/mitigation
  • Sets priorities for barrier elimination
  • Methods of barrier mitigations
  • Indicate the official responsible

Please address comments, complaints or request further information by contacting the City's ADA Coordinator, Alma Quezada at 805-646-5581, ext. 200.

ADA Complaint/Grievance Procedures & Instructions

ADA Complaint/Grievance Procedures and Instructions are available as follows:

  • For areas along Ojai Avenue (State Route 150) and Maricopa Highway (State Route 33) are the State of California, Caltrans, property - all Complaints/Grievances on these streets should be directed to Caltrans
  • For all other locations within the City limits, please complete and submit the ADA Complaint/Grievance Form (PDF)
  • City staff is available to assist in completing the form over the phone with you by calling 805-646-5581, ext. 200 or email Alexis Woods
  • If other accommodations are needed (meeting, email, etc.), please contact Public Works staff at 805-646-5581, ext. 200

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