How to Enforce Employment Rights Under the Americans with ...

D. How To File A Charge Of Discrimination1. Accommodations By the Enforcement AgenciesUnder Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, EEOC must make its programs accessible to andusable by people with disabilities. Under Title II of the ADA, the ACRD must do the same. Bothagencies must provide effective accommodations to people with disabilities. Accommodations shouldbe determined on a case-by-case basis based on the needs of each individual.Albert is deaf. He calls on Arizona Relay (a service for deaf telephone callers) to make anappointment for his charge to be filed. He requests a sign language interpreter for the interviewbecause he uses American Sign Language and does not understand English. He has been deafsince birth and does not read lips very well. The ACRD/EEOC must provide the accommodationso that he can be effectively interviewed about his case.Jodie has mild mental retardation. She does not understand the information requested on the form.An intake officer may need to explain in simpler terms what information is needed.2. Where to Go to File a ChargeIf an individual believes that s/he has been discriminated against in employment because of adisability, then s/he may file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. There is no fee or cost for filinga charge of discrimination with the EEOC. It is not necessary to have an attorney file the charge on yourbehalf. An individual may contact the EEOC on his or her own behalf to request that a charge be filed.However, an individual may prefer to consult with an attorney for advice or assistance in the chargeprocess.The EEOC will take charges of discrimination under the ADA from anyone who believes s/hehas been subjected to employment discrimination. 4EEOC office or calling the office. Its address and telephone number are:United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission3300 North Central AvenueSuite 690Phoenix, AZ 85012(602) 640-5000 (Voice)An individual may start the process by going to the4 Some charges filed directly with the EEOC by a person from Tucson or Southern Arizona may be transferred to theTucson ACRD for investigation.12