Key Terms and Definitions
Individuals with Disabilities: A person who has, has a record of having, or is considered to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Covered Locations and Offices: Offices of the Senate and the House of Representatives (including district offices); all committees of Congress; the Capitol Guide Service; the Capitol Police; the Congressional Budget Office; the Office of the Architect of the Capitol; the Office of the Attending Physician; and the Office of Compliance.
Charge of Discrimination: A written document that provides the details of the event in which an individual alleges his or her public services and accommodations rights were violated, such as when and where the event took place and who was involved. The charge of discrimination is filed with the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance.
Investigation of Alleged Discrimination: The attempt by the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance to determine if a claim of discrimination has merit. If the investigation substantiates the claim of discrimination, the General Counsel will take the first step in the complaint resolution process for charges of discrimination, which is to request mediation.
