Pierce County Library System
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Access to Library Services for Persons with Disabilities: Grievance Process

The Human Resources Director is the Library’s designated ADA Coordinator:

Chereé Green
3005 112 Street East
Tacoma, WA 98446
253-548-3354
cgreen@piercecountylibrary.org

 

This procedure may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services by the Pierce County Library. This policy shall also apply to any person with a disability who has concerns regarding their access to the Library's services. The Library's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy governs employment related complaints of disability discrimination.

An individual's right to a prompt resolution of a complaint will not be impaired by his/her pursuit of other remedies such as filing a complaint with an appropriate State or Federal agency. The use of this grievance process is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

The Library encourages individuals with concerns to request an informal meeting with the ADA Coordinator,Chereé Green, prior to submitting a complaint. She can be reached at:

Chereé Green
3005 112 Street East
Tacoma, WA 98446
253-548-3354
cgreen@piercecountylibrary.org

Submit the complaint, in writing, to the Library's ADA Coordinator:

Chereé Green
3005 112 Street East
Tacoma, WA 98446

Or by email to: cgreen@piercecountylibrary.org

Please include the name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date and a description of the problem and the remedy sought, as well as any person(s) involved or witnesses to the problem.

Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or tape recording, are available for persons with disabilities upon request.

The complaint should be submitted within 60 calendar days of the alleged violation.

The ADA Coordinator or designee will acknowledge, in writing, receipt ofthe complaint within seven (7) calendar days.

An investigation will be conducted by the ADA Coordinator or designee following receipt of the grievance. The investigation may include meeting with the complainant to better understand the situation and possible resolution.

To ensure complaints are processed in a timely manner, the following deadlines will be followed whenever possible. Extensions may be requested.

1. The ADA Coordinator or designee will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within seven (7) calendar days.

2. The ADA Coordinator or designee will investigate the complaint and respond in writing, or when appropriate a format accessible to the complainant, within 45 calendar days of receipt of the complaint. In some cases, access to witnesses or information may require a longer period of time to investigate and respond. If more time is necessary, notification will be made ofthe amended response date. The response will explain the position of the Library and offer options for resolution of the complaint.

3. If the response does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, within 15 days of receipt of the response, the complainant should provide the ADA Coordinator with a written statement setting forth the reasons for disagreeing with the determination, and request the decision be appealed to the Executive Director.

4. The Executive Director or designee will investigate the complaint and render a decision with a final resolution in writing, or a format accessible to the complainant, within 30 calendar days after receipt of the written complaint. The decision of the Executive Director is final.

All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator, appeals to the Executive Director or designee, and responses from these offices will be retained by the Library for at least three years.

These documents are public records and accessible upon request.

Related Policies/Procedures

Access to Library Services for Persons with Disabilities Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Approved by Neel Parikh, Executive Director, March 9, 2011

Download or print PDF of policy