By Leia Jobe/reporter2@trcle.com
The Johnson County Commissioners enacted measures Jan. 14 that will bring the county into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We’ve got the notice provision and grievance [procedure] in place, and we’ve appointed an ADA coordinator in Dr. Arthur Raines, Johnson County medical examiner,” County Attorney Bill Moore said.
Raines said the commissioners asked him to serve.
“My medical background will help me in understanding what kinds of problems people with disabilities might have and then find a solution,” Raines said.
He is Johnson County’s first ADA coordinator.
The notice provision and grievance procedure have been posted on the Johnson County Web site and will soon be posted on bulletin boards throughout the county, Moore said.
“The next step is training,” Moore said. “The county is going to provide training to all county employees on how to follow the grievance procedure. It’s not just about putting out ramps. It’s about accommodating the needs of disabled citizens.”
The commissioners’ efforts to comply with ADA requirements came after a complaint was filed last year by a disabled Johnson County resident.
Bill Shaw, 61, of Grandview said he filed a complaint with the Justice Department in December 2006.
“I’m disabled,” Shaw said. “And my complaint was that I couldn’t complain when my rights were infringed on. I’m glad to see that they’ve appointed a coordinator, but let’s see what happens when I give them a grievance. I’d like to see it work because I’ve got some heavy-duty grievances.”
Shaw said he is glad to hear progress has been made, but accommodations for the disabled will probably be an ongoing problem for the county.
Complaints must be made in writing within 60 days of the perceived violation and sent to Raines at P.O. Box 417, Cleburne, TX 76033.
For information and to view the notice and grievance procedure, visit www.johnsoncountytx.org/.
