The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Owen County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. The County is committed to ensuring equal access and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities.
Employment
Owen County complies with Title I of the ADA and all regulations issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of disability.
Effective Communication
Upon request, Owen County will provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with qualified individuals with disabilities. These aids may include qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, large print, or other accessible formats. We will also work with designated companions if needed when an interpreter is unavailable and such accommodation is reasonable.
Reasonable Modifications
Owen County will make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures when necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate in County services or activities, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or create an undue financial or administrative burden. For example, service animals are welcomed in County buildings, even where pets are generally prohibited.
Requests for modifications or auxiliary aids should be made as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event or activity.
Grievance Procedure
Owen County has established a formal ADA Grievance Procedure for individuals who believe they have been denied equal access or subjected to discrimination based on disability.
Filing a Grievance: Complaints should be submitted to the ADA Coordinator within 60 calendar days of the alleged incident.
Review and Response: The ADA Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the grievance within 15 calendar days and initiate an investigation. A written response will be provided in an accessible format upon completion.
Appeals: If the response is unsatisfactory, an appeal may be filed in writing to the Board of Commissioners within 15 days of receiving the resolution.
To submit an ADA grievance online, please use the ADA Grievance Form.
ADA Coordinator
Name: Jack White
Address: 129 S Washington St, Spencer, Indiana 47460
Email: jack.white@owencounty.in.gov
Phone: (812) 829-5035
TTY: 711
Additional ADA Policies and Resources
- Owen County ADA Transition Plan (PDF)
- Owen County ADA Grievance Procedure (PDF)
- Owen County ADA Complaint Form (PDF)
- Communication & Auxiliary Aids Policy (PDF)
- Policy on Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (PDF)
- Service Animal Policy (PDF)
No surcharges will be imposed on individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of reasonable modifications, auxiliary aids, or services, including retrieving items from inaccessible locations.