Accessibility/ ADA Program Information
The City’s Accessibility Program’s mission is to ensure that every program, service, benefit, activity and facility open to the public, operated or funded by the City, is fully accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
The City of Bend is committed to establishing and maintaining an accessible and usable community for as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that state or local governments with 50 or more employees designate a person responsible for ensuring compliance with Title II of the ADA. In the City of Bend, that person is the Accessibility Manager. Title II of the ADA also requires State and local governments post their Notice of Non-Discrimination and their ADA/Section 504 Complaint /Grievance Procedure Policy and Complaint Form.
Barrier Removal Request
If you are an individual with a disability who has faced a barrier in the City’s public rights-of-way (lifting/heaving sidewalk, curb ramps difficult to use, etc.), please submit a Barrier Removal Request.
City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee (COBAAC)
The Accessibility Manager coordinates with various City departments and divisions to ensure compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as other federal, state, and local access codes and disability rights laws. The Accessibility Manager is assisted by the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (COBAAC), a group of dedicated volunteers interested and concerned about ensuring that the City of Bend is accessible for all.
Accessibility/ADA Construction Projects
The Bend City Council (past and current) has shown its commitment to accessibility by funding the accessibility construction fund. The accessibility construction fund allows the Accessibility Manager, with the help of the cities’ accessibility advisory committee (COBAAC) and other community groups, to fund construction projects whose sole purpose is to improve and increase the accessibility of the cities’ public rights-of-way (i.e. sidewalks and curb ramps). For more information on construction projects funded by the accessibility construction fund, please visit Accessibility/ADA Construction Projects.
Effective Communication
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service (Sign Language Interpretation, Braille, etc.) for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a City program, service, or activity can either contact the Accessibility Manager at 541-693-2198 or email accessibility@bendoregon.gov or the City department that operates the program, service, or activity. Any request should be provided with as much forewarning as possible preferably 72 hours, but no later than 48 hours in advance of the event.
Resources
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a broad civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disabilities in various areas.