Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

City of Manhattan ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan Update

In accordance with Title II, the City of Manhattan conducted a Phase 1 ADA Self-Evaluation from June 2022 through September 2023 by evaluating select City services, policies, practices, procedures and updating its ADA Transition Plan by identifying physical obstacles in select City facilities and public rights-of-way that limit accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with disabilities. On September 19, 2023 the City Commission approved Resolution Number 091923-D (PDF) adopting the 2023 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for the City of Manhattan provided below:

2023 ADA Transition Plan

The City Commission has directed City Administration to create an ADA Transition Plan Committee comprised of City Staff that will review and update the Transition Plan annually or more frequently as needed to identify funding and opportunities to eliminate barriers, identify work completed, add barriers that may arise in the future, and identify interim steps as needed when achieving compliance will take longer than one year to accomplish.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Source: ADA National Network Website

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, activities, and services of public entities. It applies to all state and local governments, their departments and agencies, and any other instrumentalities or special purpose districts of state or local governments. It clarifies the requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, for public transportation systems that receive federal financial assistance, and extends coverage to all public entities that provide public transportation, whether or not they receive federal financial assistance. It establishes detailed standards for the operation of public transit systems, including commuter and intercity rail (e.g., AMTRAK).

This title outlines the administrative processes to be followed, including requirements for self-evaluation and planning; requirements for making reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures where necessary to avoid discrimination; architectural barriers to be identified; and the need for effective communication with people with hearing, vision and speech disabilities. This title is regulated and enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.

ADA Compliance & Education

Access to civic life by people with disabilities is a fundamental goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To ensure this goal is met, Title II of the ADA requires the City of Manhattan and other state and local governments make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. An important part of ensuring compliance is providing training to city employees so they maintain a high level of awareness with regard to the city's requirements and obligations.

The City of Manhattan does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The City of Manhattan does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for effective communication in programs, activities, and services of the City of Manhattan are invited to make their requirements and preferences known to the ADA Coordinator as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

For information or assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the ADA Coordinator:

Buffy Starkey
Email Buffy Starkey
Phone: 785-587-2445 or 711 (Kansas Relay)

ADA Grievance Procedures

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City of Manhattan. The City's Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.

ADA Grievance Procedure and Form (PDF)

External Americans with Disabilities Act Resources

  • ADA Home Page
  • U.S. Access Board
  • DBTAC - Great Plains ADA Center - Your one-stop resource on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Phone: 800-949-4232 | Phone: 573-882-3600
  • Three Rivers Independent Living Center - Phone: 785-456-9915 | Toll-Free Phone: 800-555-3994 | Email the Three Rivers Independent Living Center.
  • State ADA Coordinator - Anthony Fadale - Email Anthony Fadale | Phone: 785-296-1389 | Fax: 785-296-4960 | TTY: 711
  • Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) - Phone: 785-296-6525 | Toll Free Phone: 800-295-5232
  • ADA National Network - Phone: 800-949-4232 voice | TTY connects to your regional ADA Center
  • U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information - Phone: 800-514-0301 (voice) | 800-514-0383

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the City of Manhattan of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The City of Manhattan bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content