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Press Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles ADA Dispute with YMCA of Spencer, Iowa

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Iowa

The YMCA of Spencer, Iowa, has agreed to settle a dispute regarding an allegation that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to reasonably modify its policies, practices, and procedures, resulting in the exclusion of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from its programs.

The YMCA of Spencer, Iowa, cooperated with the United States Attorney’s Office during its investigation.

“Ensuring that children with disabilities, and their families, have equal access to public accommodations goes to the heart of the ADA’s promises and protections,” said United States Attorney Sean R. Berry. “I commend the YMCA of Spencer, Iowa, for working with us.”

Under the settlement agreement, the YMCA of Spencer, Iowa, has agreed to adopt a non-discrimination policy and to institute policies and procedures to evaluate members’ requests for modifications to ensure ADA compliance. In addition, the settlement agreement prohibits staff from performing restraints on minors on YMCA premises.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public accommodations, including childcare providers and places of recreation. Among other things, public accommodations must allow people with disabilities the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, and facilities. They must make reasonable modifications of their policies, practices, and procedures if necessary to avoid discrimination.

Individuals in the Northern District of Iowa who believe their civil rights may have been violated may submit their complaints by e-mailing the United States Attorney’s Office at USAIAN.CivilRightsComplaint@usdoj.gov or by accessing https://civilrights.justice.gov/. For more information on the ADA, or to access publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).

The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Gillespie and the Disabilities Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice.

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Updated January 3, 2022

Topic
Civil Rights