Americans with Disabilities Act

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by State and local governments. In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), Barnwell County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Upon reasonable request and availability, Barnwell County will provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in Barnwell County programs, services, and activities. 

Barnwell County will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications. Although these accommodations can be provided, the ADA does not require Barnwell County to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose on it an undue financial or administrative burden.

Employment:  Barnwell County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA.

Complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, or programs by Barnwell County should be directed to Mrs. Katrina Douse, HR Director and ADA Coordinator. The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination including name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and detailed description of the alleged problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Mrs. Katrina Douse
Barnwell County ADA Coordinator
57 Wall Street, Room 223
Barnwell, SC 29812

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator or his/her designee will contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the ADA Coordinator or his/her designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant. The response will explain the position of Barnwell County and offer options for resolution of the complaint if available.

If the response by the ADA Coordinator or his/her designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to Barnwell County's General Counsel or his/her designee.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, Barnwell County's General Counsel or his/her designee will contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, Barnwell County's General Counsel or his/her designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.