US DOJ v. City of Carpinteria - Physical Accessibility Settlement

The U.S. Department of Justice reached a comprehensive settlement agreement with the City of Carpinteria, California as part of DOJ's Project Civic Access initiative. This settlement addressed physical accessibility barriers throughout the city's facilities and ensured that all city programs and services are accessible to people with disabilities under ADA Title II. Project Civic Access settlements typically require cities to: - Conduct self-evaluations of all facilities and programs - Remove physical barriers in city buildings including city halls, community centers, libraries, and parks - Ensure accessible routes, entrances, and parking at all city facilities - Make restrooms, drinking fountains, and other amenities accessible - Provide accessible voting locations and equipment - Ensure accessible communication including TTY/TDD services - Train city employees on ADA requirements - Establish grievance procedures for accessibility complaints - Develop and implement transition plans for barrier removal The settlement ensured that residents and visitors with disabilities could access city services, participate in civic activities, and enjoy public facilities on an equal basis with others.