HomeMy WebLinkAbout27-19 - Res. Amending Res. 20-17 Chapter 2.46 and 2.47 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility RESOLUTION NO. 27-19
Mason County's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinators
Amends Resolution 20-17 and Title 2 Chapter 2.46, adds Chapter 2.47 Americans
with Disabilities Act Accessibility for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired, and adds
Chapter 2.47A Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Accommodations,
of the Mason County, Washington, Code of Ordinances
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990
and;
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners herby designates the Support
Services Director and Facilities Manager as the ADA Coordinator contact persons for
any internal or external complaints or grievances. Mason County, Washington, Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 2.46 also designates the Support Services Director and Facilities
Manager to be the designated contact and investigate complaints and grievances (see
attachment A); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners establishes Mason County,
Washington, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.47 Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired (see attachment B); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners establishes Mason County,
Washington, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.47A Americans with Disabilities Act
Service Animal Accommodations (see attachment C);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Mason County
Commissioners herby designates the Support Services Director and Facilities Manager
as Mason County's ADA Coordinators for any internal or external complaints or
grievances (see attachment A);
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Mason County Commissioners herby
establishes Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.47, Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility for Deaf or Hearing Impaired (see attachment B), and Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 2.47A, Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Accommodations (see
attachment C).
DATED this 26th day of March 2019.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
i
M�liss revery, Cle of the Board Kevin Shutty, C air
APPROVED AS TO FORM: /l� ,?7
Randy Neatherlin, ommissioner
Tim Whitehead, Chief Deputy Sharon Trask, Commissioner
Prosecuting Attorney
Attachment A
Chapter 2.46 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CONTACT PERSONS
Sections:
2.46.010 Contact persons—Designated
2.46.020 Contact persons—To review and investigate complaints
2.46.010 Contact persons—Designated
The Support Services Director and Facilities Manager shall be designated as
ADA contact persons for any internal or external complaints or grievances and
will provide proper notice of this complaint procedure to the community and on
official county bulletin boards and will provide complaint/grievance forms (See
Attachment A attached to the resolution codified in this chapter and on file in the
office of the county clerk of the board) in all county facilities where there is public
access.
(Res. 20-17 (part), 2017).
2.46.020 Contact persons—To review and investigate complaints
The Support Services Director or the Facilities Manager will review, investigate
and otherwise dispose of such complaints in a manner that meets the good of the
service and will provide a quarterly report of any ADA concern to the board of
county commissioners.
(Res. 20-17 (part), 2017).
4.�6eN COtt, Attachment A
11
3vim ,
100
_____ri
ADA GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
/ski-1
Mason County has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt equitable resolution of
complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S.Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II states,in part,that"no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall,solely
by reason of such disability,be excluded from the participation in,be denied the benefits of,or be subjected to
discrimination"in programs or activities sponsored by a public entity.
Complaints should be addressed to:
Mason County ADA Coordinator
411 North 5th Street
Shelton,Washington,98584
(360)427-9670
1. A complaint should be filled in writing and contain information about the alleged violation such as the
name,address,phone number of complainant and the location,date and description of the violation.
Alternative means of filing complaints,such as a personal interview,will be made available for persons with
disabilities upon request.
2. A complaint should be filed as soon as possible,but no later than thirty(30)calendar days after the alleged
violation.
3. An investigation,as may be appropriate,shall follow the filing of a complaint within fifteen(15)calendar
days. The investigation shall be conducted by Mason County's ADA Coordinator. These rules contemplate
informal but thorough investigations,affording all interested persons and their representatives,if any,an
opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and description of the resolution,if any,shall be
issued by the ADA Coordinator,and copy forwarded to the complainant no later than fifteen(15)calendar
days after the investigation.
5. If the response of the ADA Coordinator does not satisfactorily resolve the issue,the complainant may
appeal the decision within fifteen(15)calendar days after the receipt of the response to the Board of County
Commissioners. A final decision will be made by the Board of County Commissioners within thirty(30)
calendar days.
6. The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the files and records relating to complaints. Mason County shall
retain these records for at least three years.
7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be
impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible
federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other
remedies.
8. These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons to meet appropriate
due process standards,and to assure the Mason County complies with the ADA and implementing
regulations.
--re,,,--g--SAN coc-,, Attachment A
.401 - i PROCEDIMIENTO DE QUERELLAS DE ADA
iiilivolli5e)
1854
Condado del mason ha adoptado un procedimiento de queja internos preven pronta soluciOn equitativa de las
quejas alegando cualquier accibn prohibida por las regulaciones del Departamento de Justicia estadounidense
aplicaciOn el titulo H de la ley de estadounidenses con discapacidades. Tftulo II los Estados,en parte,que"de lo
contrario no individuo calificado con discapacidad,unicamente por razon de tal incapacidad,se excluira de la
participaciOn en,ser negado los beneficios de o ser objeto de discriminaciOn"en programas o actividades
patrocinadas por una entidad publica.
Las quejas deben ser dirigidas a:
Coordinador de ADA Condado de Mason
411 North 5th Street
Shelton,Washington,98584
(360)427-9670
1. Una queja por escrito se debe lienar y contienen informaciOn sobre la presunta violaciOn como el nombre,
direcciOn,mimero de tel6fono del querellante y la ubicacion,fecha y descripciOn de la violaciOn. Medios
alternativos de presentaciOn de denuncias,como una entrevista personal,estaran disponibles para las
personas con discapacidad previa solicitud.
2. Una queja debe presentarse tan pronto como sea posible,pero no más tarde de treinta 30 dfas calendario
despu6s de la supuesta violaciOn.
3. Una investigaciOn,como puede ser apropiado,seguira la presentaciOn de una queja dentro de quince 15
dfas. La investigacibn se efectuara por el Condado de Mason Coordinador de ADA. Estas normas
contemplan investigaciones informales pero exhaustivas,que ofrezca a todas las personas interesadas y sus
representantes,si cualquier oportunidad de presentar pruebas pertinentes a una queja.
4. Una determinaciOn escrita en cuanto a la validez de la denuncia y la descripci6n de la resoluciOn,si los
hubiere,se expedira por el Coordinador de ADA y copia enviada a la organizaciOn querellante no más tarde
de quince 15 dfas calendario despu6s de la investigaciOn.
5. Si la respuesta del Coordinador de ADA no resuelve satisfactoriamente el asunto,el demandante puede
apelar la decision dentro de los quince 15 dfas calendario despu6s de la recepciOn de la respuesta a la Junta
de Comisionados del condado. Una decision final se hard por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado
dentro de 30 treinta dfas de calendario.
6. El Coordinador de ADA mantendra los archivos y registros relativos a las quejas. Condado del mas6n
conservara estos registros durante al menos fres anos.
7. El derecho de una persona a una resolucibn r5pida y equitativa de la denuncia presentada a continuaciOn no
debera ser deteriorado por la busqueda de la persona de otros remedios como la presentaciOn de una queja
de ADA con la agenda o Departamento federal responsable. Uso de este procedimiento de quejas no es un
requisito previo para la busqueda de otros remedios.
8. Estas reglas se interpretara para proteger los derechos sustantivos de las personas interesadas para cumplir
con normas de proceso debido apropiado,y asegurar el Condado de Mason cumple con la ADA y
reglamentos de aplicaciOn.
Attachment A
+s p$ Coos
NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS
in* WITH DISABILITIES ACT
1854 . r
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)of
1990,and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Mason County will not discriminate
against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services,programs
or activities.
Employment: Mason County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or
employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA.
Effective Communication: Mason County will generally, upon request, provide appropriate
aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified person with disabilities so
they can participate equally in Mason County's programs,services,and activities,including
qualified sign language interpreters,and various other ways of making information and
communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing or vision impairments.
Modifications to Policies and Procedures: Mason County will make all reasonable
modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal
opportunity to enjoy all of its programs,services,and activities.
Requests for Accommodation: Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective
communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program,service,
or activity of Mason County,should contact the Court or Department directly.
Please make requests for accommodation at least 48 hours before the scheduled event.
Problems or Complaints:
Kelly Frazier,Facilities Manager and ADA Coordinator
360-427-9670 or kellyf@co.mason.wa.us
Frank Pinter,Support Services Director and ADA Coordinator
360-427-9670 or fpinter@co.mason.wa.us.
The ADA does not require Mason County to take any action that would fundamentally alter the
nature of its programs or services,or impose and undue financial or administrative burden.
Complaints that a program,service, or activity of Mason County is not accessible to persons
with disabilities should be directed to the ADA Coordinators as listed above.
Mason County will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any
group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or
reasonable modifications of policy.
WE ARE COMMI I I ED TO PROVIDING EQUAL ACCESS TO OUR SERVICES.
8/2014
Attachment A
0 Cp,J
3 ;
"�� AVISO BAJO LA LEY DE AMERICANOS CON
„�`�,. DISCAPACIDADES
;T
1854
Conforme a los requisitos del titulo II de las Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) de 1990 y la
secciOn 504 del Acta de rehabilitaci6n de 1973,Condado de Mason no discriminard contra
individuos calificados con discapacidades sobre la base de discapacidad en sus servicios,
programas o actividades.
Empleo:Mason County no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en su contrataciOn o empleo
practicas y cumple con todas las regulaciones promulgadas por la CornisiOn de oportunidades
laborales iguales Estados Unidos bajo el titulo I de la ADA.
Una comunicacion eficaz:Mason County General, previa solicitud,proporcionara adecuado
contra el SIDA y servicios conducen a una comunicaci6n eficaz para persona calificada con
discapacidad para que puedan participar igualmente en los programas,servicios y actividades
del Condado de Mason, incluyendo calificados interpretes de lenguaje de senas y varias otras
maneras de hacer de la informaciOn y las comunicaciones accesibles a las personas que tienen
voz, audiciOn o vision.
Las modificaciones a las politicas y procedimientos:Mason County hard que todas las
modificaciones razonables a las politicas y programas para asegurar que las personas con
discapacidad tengan igualdad de oportunidades para disfrutar de todos sus programas,
servicios y actividades.
Las solicitudes de alojamiento:Cualquiera que requiere una ayuda auxiliar o un servicio para
la comunicaciOn efectiva,o una modificaciOn de las politicas o procedimientos para participar
en un programa, servicio o actividad del Condado de Mason, debe comunicarse con el tribunal
o el Departamento directamente.
Por favor hacer las solicitudes de alojamiento al menos 48 horas antes del evento programado.
Problemas o quejas:
Kelly Frazier,Gerente de Instalaciones Coordinador de ADA
360-427-9670 o kellyf@Co.Mason.wa.US
Frank Pinter,Directora de servicios de apoyo y Coordinador de ADA
360-427-9670 o fpinter@Co.Mason.wa.US
La ADA no requiere Mason Condado de emprender cualquier acciOn que fundamentalmente
alterar la naturaleza de sus programas o servicios, o imponer y excesiva carga financiera o
administrativa.
Las quejas que un programa,servicio o actividad del Condado de Mason no es accesible para
personas con discapacidad deben orientarse a los coordinadores ADA como se describe arriba.
Condado de Mason no colocara un recargo en un individuo con una discapacidad o cualquier
grupo de individuos con discapacidades para cubrir el costo de proporcionar ayudas auxiliares
y servicios o modificaciones razonables de la politica en particular.
ESTAMOS COMPROMETIDOS A PROPORCIONAR IGUALDAD DE ACCESO A NUESfROS SERVICIOS.
8/2014
Attachment A
The complainant is not precluded from
filing formal complaints at any time .;!oatcoAv
during or after Mason County's E
grievance procedure with the Disability
Right Section `
Civil Rights Division
US Department of Justice IRS
PO Box 66738
Washington, D.C. 20035-6738
Complaints may also be sent to agencies AMERICANS
designated to process complaints under WITH
the regulation, or to agencies that DISABILITIES ACT
provide Federal financial assistance to
the program in question. GRIEVANCE
Department of Agriculture PROCEDURE
Department of Education
Dept. of Health&Human Services
Dept. of Housing& Urban Development
Department of Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor Complaints should be
Department of Transportation addressed to:
Mason County ADA Coordinator
c/o Risk Management
411 North 5th Street
Shelton,Washington 98584
MASON COUNTY IS COMMITTED (360) 427-9670
TO PROVIDING EQUAL ACCESS TO
OUR SERVICES.
8/2014
MASON COUNTY'S
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Mason County has adopted an inter- An investigation, as may be appro- County Commissioners within
nal grievance procedure providing priate, shall follow the filing of a thirty (30) calendar days.
for prompt equitable resolution of complaint within fifteen(15) calen-
complaints alleging any action pro- dar days. The investigation shall
hibited by the U.S. Department of be conducted by Mason County's The ADA Coordinator shall main-
Justice regulations implementing Ti- ADA Coordinator. These rules tain the files and records relating to
tle II of the Americans with Disabili- contemplate informal but thorough complaints. Mason County shall
ties Act. Title II states, in part, that investigations, affording all inter- retain these records for at least
"no otherwise qualified disabled in- ested persons and their representa- three years.
dividual shall, solely by reason of tives, if any, an opportunity to sub-
such disability,be excluded from the mit evidence relevant to a corn-
participation in, be denied the bene- plaint. The right of a person to a prompt
fits of, or be subjected to discrimina- and equitable resolution of the
tion" in programs or activities spon- complaint filed hereunder shall not
sored by a public entity. A written determination as to the be impaired by the person's pursuit
validity of the complaint and de- of other remedies such as filing of
scription of the resolution, if any, an ADA complaint with the respon-
A complaint should be filed in writ- shall be issued by the ADA Coordi- sible federal department or agency.
ing and contain information about nator, and copy forwarded to the Use of this grievance procedure is
the alleged violation such as the complainant no later than fifteen not a prerequisite to the pursuit of
name, address, phone number of (15) calendar days after the investi- other remedies.
complainant and the location, date gation.
and description of the violation. Al-
ternative means of filing complaints, These rules shall be construed to
If the response of the ADA Coordi- protect the substantive rights of in-
such as a personal interview, will be
made available for persons with dis- nator does not satisfactorily resolve terested persons to meet appropri-
the issue, the complainant may ap- ate due process standards, and to
abilities upon request.
peal the decision within fifteen (15) assure the Mason County complies
calendar days after the receipt of with the ADA and implementing
A complaint should be filed as soon the response to the Board of Coun- regulations.
as possible, but no later than thirty ty Commissioners. A final decision
(30) calendar days after the alleged will be made by the Board of
violation.
Attachment A
El demandante no esta impedido de
presentar quejas formales en cualquier c$ Co
k4,111
momento durante o despues del 44 -
procedimiento de querellas del Condado VNIT
de Mason con la secciOn de derecho de 10116`
discapacidad
Civil Rights Division -t
US Department of Justice 1854
PO Box 66738
Washington, D.C. 20035-6738
Las quejas tambien pueden ser enviadas
a las agencias designadas para procesar ESTADOUNIDENSES
las quejas en virtud del Reglamento, o a CON
las agencias que proporcionan ayuda DISCAPACIDADES
financiera Federal para el programa en ACTUAN
cuesti6n. PROCEDIMIENTO DE
QUERELLAS
Department of Agriculture
Department of Education
Dept. of Health&Human Services
Dept. of Housing&Urban Development
Department of Interior
Department of Justice Las quejas deben dirigirse a:
Department of Labor
Department of Transportation Mason County ADA Coordinator
c/o Risk Management
411 North 5th Street
Shelton,Washington 98584
(360) 427-9670
CONDADO DE MASON SE HA
COMPROMETIDO A
PROPORCIONAR IGUALDAD DE
ACCESO A NUESTROS SERVICIOS.
8/2014
MASON COUNTY'S
PROCEDIMIENTO DE QUEJA BAJO ELACTA DEAMERICANOS CON DISCAPACIDADES
Condado de Mason ha adoptado un Una investigaci6n,como puede ser El Coordinador de ADA debera man-
procedimiento de querellas internas apropiado, debera seguir la
tener los archivos y registros relaciona-
prevenpronta soluciOn equitativa de las presentaciOn de una queja dentro de
q dos con las quejas. Condado de Mason
ue as alegando cualquier acciOnpro- quince 15 Bias de calendario. La inves-
q l g qti aci6n se realizar�por el Condado conservara estos registros durante al
hibida por las normas del Departamento g menos tres anos.
de justicia estadounidense incorporen Mason Coordinador de ADA. Estas
titulo II de la ley de estadounidenses reglas contemplan investigaciones in-
con discapacidades. Titulo II establece, formales pero exhaustivas,brindando El derecho de una persona a una
en parte,que"de lo contrario no indi- todas las personas interesadas y a sus resoluciOn pronta y equitativa de la
viduo calificado con discapacidad, representantes,si los hay,la oportuni- denuncia presentada a continuaciOn no
tinicamente por causa de dicha incapaci- dad de presentar pruebas pertinentes a debera ser deteriorado por la busqueda
dad,excluida de la participacion en,ser la queja. de la persona de otros remedios como
negado los beneficios de o ser objeto de la presentaci6n de una queja con el de-
discriminaciOn"en programas o activid- partamento federal responsable o
ades patrocinadas por una entidad pit- Una determinaci6n escrita en cuanto a agenda de ADA. Uso de este procedi-
blica. la validez de la queja y la descripciOn miento de queja no es un requisito pre-
de la resoluciOn,si los hubiere,sera vio a la bitsqueda de otros remedios.
expedida por el Coordinador de ADA
Una queja debe ser presentada por escri- y copia enviada al reclamante no mas
to contener informaciOn sobre lapre- tarde de quince 15 dias calendario
y des u6s de la investi aci6n. Estas reglas se interpretara para
sunta violaciOn como el nombre,direc- Pg proteger los derechos sustantivos de
ci6n,numero de telefono del reclamante las personas interesadas a cumplir con
y la ubicaci6n,fecha y descripciOn de la las normas procesales adecuadas,y
violaciOn. Medios alternativos de Si la respuesta del Coordinador de asegurar el Condado Mason cumple
presentaci6n de denuncias,como una ADA no resuelve satisfactoriamen- con la ADA y reglamentos de aplica-
entrevista personal,estaran disponibles to el problema, el demandante cien.
para las personas con discapacidad a puede apelar la decisi6n dentro de
peticiOn. los quince 15 dias calendario
despu6s de la recepci6n de la
respuesta a la Junta de Comisiona-
Una queja debe ser presentada tan prop- dos del condado. La decisi6n final
to como sea posible,pero no más tarde
de treinta 30 dias calendario despu6s de se realizar por la Junta de Comi-
la supuesta violaciOn. sionados del condado dentro de
treinta 30 dias de calendario.
Attachment B
Chapter 2.47 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ACCESSIBILITY FOR DEAF
OR HEARING IMPAIRED
Sections:
2.47.010 Accessibility for deaf or hearing impaired
2.47.010 Accessibility for deaf or hearing impaired
To connect by telephone with Mason County Government offices and
departments, please utilized the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by
calling "7-1-1" or 1-800-833-6384. For detailed instruction on using, the TRS
please use the following link:
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/odhh/telecommunication-relay-services-trs-voice-
feature
To connect by email with Mason County Government offices and departments,
please go to www.co.mason.wa.us and use the "E-mail Us" tab at the top of the
page.
Attachment C
Chapter 2.47A AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT SERVICE ANIMAL
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sections:
2.47A.010 Creation and purpose of service animal policy
2.47A.020 Scope
2.47A.030 Definitions
2.47A.040 General Policy
2.47A.050 Types of service animals
2.47A.060 Service animal etiquette
2.47A.070 Requirements of service animals
2.47A.080 When service animals can be asked to leave
2.47A.090 Prohibited access for service animals
2.47A.100 Reasonable accommodation process
2.47A.110 Liability
2.47A.120 Emergency Situations
2.47A.130 Grievance
2.47A.140 Misrepresentation of service animal
2.47A.010 Creation and purpose of service animal policy
To establish conditions for the presence of animals in Mason County facilities to
protect the safety of employees, the public and county property, and to comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Washington Law against
Discrimination, RCW 49.60.
To clearly define various types of service animals and provide guidelines for
Mason County employees regarding the rights of citizens and fellow employees
who have service animals.
To set behavioral guidelines for service animals to protect Mason County citizens
and staff from injury and to prevent damage to public property while they
participate in services and sponsored programs by Mason County within Mason
County facilities.
To prohibit pets (non-service animals) from being brought into most Mason
County facilities.
Attachment C
2.47A.020 Scope
This policy applies to all elected officials, employees, volunteers and visitors of
Mason County facilities, unless otherwise governed by statute, County ordinance
or policy. This does not apply to animals at County facilities for official county
purposes, such as a K9 under the control of a law enforcement officer, a
courthouse dog approved by the court or animals under the direct supervision of
Animal Services.
For the purpose of this policy, "service animal" means an animal that is trained
for the purposes of assisting or accommodating a disabled person's sensory,
mental or physical disability. {RCW 49.60.040(24)}
2.47A.030 Definitions
1) Service Animal
Per RCW 49.60.040(24), Any dog or miniature horse, as discussed in RCW
49.60.214, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit
of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric,
intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by the
service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability. Examples of
work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind
or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing
nonviolent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual
during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving
items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and
assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and
helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or
interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an
animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or
companionship do not constitute work or tasks. Service animals may by trained
to perform other work or tasks may, of course, provide comfort as well. However,
if comfort or emotional support is the sole role for an animal's presence, then
there is no longer a legal requirement to provide accommodations.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service
animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Other species of animals, whether
wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals either.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the
individual's disability. It does not matter if a person has a note from a doctor that
states that the person has a disability and needs to have the animal for
emotional support. A doctor's letter does not turn an animal into a service
Attachment C
animal. Services include, but are not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired
vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds,
providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching
dropped items.
Any animal meeting this definition for an individual with a disability is considered
a service animal regardless of whether it is licensed or certified by a state or
local government or a training program. If there are questions about whether an
animal is a service animal, or for questions regarding disabilities, contact Risk
Management for assistance.
2) Fully Socialized
To be fully socialized means the animal will not, except under rare occasions,
bark, yip, growl or make disruptive noises; will have a good temperament and
disposition; will not show fear; will not be upset or agitated when it sees another
animal; and will not be aggressive. The service animal must be fully
housebroken.
3) Pet
A pet is a domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship. Pets are not
permitted in Mason County facilities.
4) Handler
A person who is accompanied by a service animal, but not being assisted or
accommodated by that animal
5) Partner
A person with a disability who is assisted or accommodated by a service animal.
6) Facilities
To include parks, buildings, parking lots, etc.
7) Disability
Means the presence of a sensory, mental, or physical impairment as defined in
RCW 49.60.040.
2.47A.040 General Policy
Mason County allows service animals to accompany persons with disabilities
within Mason County facilities that are accessible to the public. Disabled
employees may have service animals in the facilities in places where they would
Attachment C
have normal access in the performance of their duties, provided the safety of the
team, or other employees is not jeopardized. Employees must register their
service animals with the Risk Management Department.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are
allowed per RCW 49.60.214. Staff may ask two questions. (1) is the dog a
service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the
dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person's disability,
require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training
documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform
the work or task.
Pets are prohibited in Mason County facilities, except as may be allowed by
Mason County Parks per rules established by the Parks Director and/or Board.
An elected official or department head may grant permission for a pet to be in a
county facility for a specific reason at a specific time. (e.g. a pet dog used for a
demonstration in an aggressive dog training class).
A person may be asked to remove their animal if the animal in question does not
meet the definition of a service animal.
Inmate ADA Accommodations for service animals in the Mason County Jail will
follow the Mason County Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedure.
ADA Accommodations for court purposes and for the Juvenile Detention Center
will follow the Mason County Superior and/or District Court Policy and
Procedures.
2.47A.050 Types of service animals
1 ) Guide Dog
A carefully trained dog that serves as a travel tool for persons with severe visual
impairments or are blind {RCW 70.84.020}.
2) Hearing Dog
A dog who has been trained to alert a person with significant hearing loss or who
is deaf when a sound, e.g., knock on the door, occurs.
3) Service Dog
A service dog has been trained to assist a disabled person who has a mobility or
health impairment. Types of tasks the dog may perform include carrying,
fetching, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, steadying
Attachment C
a person while walking, heling a person up after a fall, etc. Service dogs are
sometimes called assistance dogs.
4) SSig Dog
SSig dog is a "Social Signal" dog trained to assist a person with autism. The dog
may alert the partner of distracting repetitive movements common among those
with autism, allowing the person to stop the movement (e.g., hand flapping).
Recognizing familiar persons in a crowd, steering around a mud puddle or
responding to others' social signals are possible roles for a SSig Dog. A person
with autism may have problems with sensory input and need the same support
services from a dog it might give to a person who is blind or deaf.
5) Seizure Response Dog
A dog trained to assist a person with a seizure disorder. How the dog serves the
person depends on the person's needs. The dog may stand guard over the
person during a seizure or go for help. Some seizure response dogs are able to
predict seizures and warn the person in advance.
6) Miniature Horse
Miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks
for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24
inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70
and 100 pounds.) The regulations set four assessment factors in determining
whether miniature horses can be accommodated in the Mason County facilities.
The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2)
whether the miniature horse is under the owner's control; (3) whether the facility
can accommodate the miniature horse's type, size, and weight; and (4) whether
the miniature horse's presence will not compromise legitimate safety
requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
2.47A.060 Service animal etiquette
1) Allow a service animal to accompany the partner at all times and everywhere
on County facilities, except where strictly prohibited.
2) Do not pet a service animal without the permission of the partner/handler;
petting a service animal when the animal is working distracts it from its
duties.
3) Do not feed a service animal. It may have specific dietary requirements.
Unusual food or food at an unexpected time may cause the animal to
become ill.
Attachment C
4) Do not deliberately startle a service animal or attempt to separate the
partner/handler from them.
5) Employees who require a service animal must notify their supervisor and
register the animal with the Risk Management Department.
6) Employee service animals are subject to the behavior standards required of
a service animal belonging to a facility visitor.
2.47A.070 Requirements of service animals
1) All animals need to be immunized against rabies and/or other diseases
common to the type of animal. All vaccinations must be current.
2) The animal must wear a rabies vaccination tag.
3) The animal must be appropriately licensed.
4) Service animals must wear an owner identification tag (which includes the
name and telephone number of the owner) at all times.
5) Animals need to be maintained on a leash, harness or other type of restraint
in Mason County buildings and public areas. However, exceptions are
granted in an emergency situation when the animal needs to perform a task
requiring it to travel beyond the length of the restraint or when the
partner/handler is unable to restrain an animal due to a disability.
6) The partner/handler must be in full control of the animal at all times. The care
and supervision of the service animal is solely the responsibility of the
partner/owner.
7) The partner/handler is responsible for independently removing or arranging
for the removal of the service animal's waste, placing the waste in a closed
container, and disposing the container in an outdoor trash bin.
8) The partner/handler needs to make sure that their animal is kept in good
health and as clean as possible so as not to interfere with the work
environment. Regular bathing and grooming may be necessary for flea and
tick control. Animals that shed must be groomed to maintain a work
environment that is hair and fur free.
2.47A.080 When service animals can be asked to leave
1) Disruption - The partner/handler of an animal that is unruly or disruptive (e.g.
barking, running around and bringing attention to it) may be asked to remove
the animal from Mason County facilities. The partner/handler may be
prohibited from bringing the animal into Mason County facilities until
significant steps to mitigate the behavior are taken, if the improper behavior
happens repeatedly. Mitigation can include muzzling a barking animal or
refresher training for both the animal and the partner/handler.
Attachment C
2) Health - Service animals who are ill are not allowed in public areas. A
partner/handler with an ill animal may be asked to leave Mason County
facilities.
3) Poor Hygiene/Unclean Animals - Partners/handlers with animals that are
unclean may be asked to leave Mason County facilities. Partners/handlers
are responsible to keep the service animal clean and well-groomed even
during inclement weather seasons. An animal that becomes wet from walking
in the rain or mud or from being splashed by a passing automobile, and is
otherwise clean, should be considered a clean animal. Animals that shed in
the spring should be groomed to maintain a work environment that is hair
free.
2.47A.090 Prohibited access for service animals
1) Mechanical Rooms/Custodial Closets — Mechanical rooms, such as boiler
rooms, facility equipment rooms, electric closets, elevator control rooms and
custodial closets are off-limits to service animals. The machinery, equipment and
/or chemicals in these rooms may be harmful.
2) Areas where Protective Clothing is Necessary —Any room where protective
clothing is necessary is off-limits to service animals. Examples include, but are
limited to chemical laboratories, wood shops and metal/machine shops.
3) Areas where there is Danger to the Service Animal —Any room where there
are sharp metal cuttings or other sharp objects on the floor or protruding from a
surface; where there are hot materials on the floor; where there is a high level of
dust; or where there is moving machinery is off-limits to service animals.
4) Access exceptions
a) Moving Equipment—A manager of a Mason County facility with moving
equipment may grant permission to a team to enter the area. Admission
for each team will be granted or denied on a case-by-case basis. The final
decision shall be made based on the nature of the machinery and in the
best interest of safety for the team. Example: The machinery in the shop
may have moving parts at a height such that the tail of a large dog could
easily be caught in it; this is a valid reason for keeping large dogs out.
However, a very small hearing dog may be shorter than any moving part
and, therefore, be considered for admission.
b) Case-by-Case —The Elected Official or Department Director may grant
access to other designated off-limits areas on a case-by-case basis.
5) Approval for Exceptions —To be granted an exception, a visitor seeking
admission for their animal to an off-limits area, should contact the Elected Official
of the facility or the Support Services Director. An employee should submit a
written request to the Elected Official and the Support Services Director.
Attachment C
2.47A.100 Reasonable accommodation process
When an individual with a disability makes an accommodation request, the
County will consider it promptly and grant it when reasonable.
2.47A.110 Liability
Any property damage, destruction or personal property injuries caused by or as a
result of a service animal will be the sole responsibility of the service animal's
owner/partner/handler. Service animal owner/partners/handlers will hold
harmless Mason County and its agents from any and all claims, causes of
actions, damage, cost, loss of service, expense and compensation whatsoever,
growing out of consequence with their service animal in or around Mason County
facilities or County grounds.
2.47A.120 Emergency Situations
In the event of an emergency, County staff should understand that a service
animal may become disoriented from the crowd, sirens or wind noise or from
shaking and moving ground. The partner/handler and/or animal may be confused
by the stressful situation. Staff should be aware that the animal is trying to be
protective and, in its confusion, is not harmful. Staff should make every effort to
keep the animal with its partner. However, the staff's first effort should be toward
the partner; this may necessitate leaving an animal behind in certain emergency
evacuation situations.
2.47A.130 Grievance
Any partner or employee dissatisfied with the decision made concerning a
service animal or animal approved on a case-by-case basis should follow the
Mason County's ADA Grievance Procedure process.
2.47A.140 Misrepresentation of service animal
A civil infraction with a maximum fine of$500 will be imposed to a person who
represents that an animal is a service animal when the person knew or should
have known that the animal in question does not meet the statutory definition of a
service animal as defined in RCW 49.60.040. As defined in RCW 7.80.040, an
enforcement officer may investigate and enforce this section by making an
inquiry of the person accompanied by the animal in question and issuing a civil
infraction. Refusal to answer the questions allowable shall create presumption
that the animal is not a service animal and the enforcement officer may issue a
civil infraction and require the person to remove the animal from the place of
public accommodation.