Disability-Related Accommodations: Alternate Format Request Plan

The District provides auxiIiary aids and services to the public, free of charge, to ensure all qualified persons with speech, hearing, and/or vision disabilities can effectively communicate and participate in public programs, services, and/or activities at all District campuses (Arcata Elementary School, Sunny Brae Middle School, District Office). In regards to school board meetings, Government Code 54953 requires the ASD Board of Trustees to maintain and implement a procedure for receiving and swiftly resolving requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To meet this requirement, all agendas of the ASD Board of Trustees include information regarding how, when, and to whom a request for disability-related accommodations or modifications, including auxiliary aides and services, may be made by an individual who requires accommodations or modifications in order to participate in the Board meeting.

The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary requires the consideration of numerous factors, including:

⚬ The method of communication used by the person with a disability.

⚬ The nature, length, and difficulty of the communication taking place.

⚬ The complexity of what is being communicated.

When providing aids or services, the District will give primary consideration to the requester’s choice, unless another equally effective means of communication is available or that use of the requestor’s choice would result in a fundamental alteration of the information or an undue burden for the District. Types of alternative formats and a complete list of auxiliary aids and services the District may provide can be found on page 4 of this Plan.

The District is committed to complying with state and federal civil rights laws related to accessibility and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and strives to meet the needs and preferences of community members desiring to participate in meetings of the ASD Board of Trustees. The District will ensure that alternative formats are provided in a timely manner and in a format that is accessible to the individual, without discrimination or exclusion.

Thank you,

Luke Biesecker

Superintendent and ADA Compliance Coordinator