Lake Alfred Boosts ADA Accessibility for Residents

The City of Lake Alfred is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring all city facilities, programs, services and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This commitment aligns with federal laws like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodations.

The city aims for equitable representation of the disabled community and disability service groups in advisory committees and public involvement efforts. Residents encountering any accessibility issues within city offerings are encouraged to report them. The city pledges to provide reasonable accommodations, free of charge, for disabled individuals participating in public events or needing assistance to access city resources.

To facilitate these accommodations, individuals should provide at least five calendar days' notice before needing assistance. This lead time allows the city to secure any necessary external arrangements or resources.

City Clerk Linda Bourgeois, also the ADA Compliance Coordinator, is the point of contact for concerns and accommodation requests. Residents can reach her by email or by calling 863-291-5270, extension 106. Mail can be sent to Attn: ADA Coordinator, City of Lake Alfred, 155 E Pomelo Street, Lake Alfred, FL 33850.

When reporting an issue, include your name, contact information, the date and time of the encounter, the specific location or web address, and a description of the problem.

The city is currently conducting a self-evaluation to develop a comprehensive ADA/504 Transition Plan. Public input is valuable during this process; share any concerns or recommendations with the ADA Coordinator. The city is also working to identify and correct accessibility issues on its website to comply with WCAG 2.0 AA standards.