Frequently Asked Questions
Question: May a member of the public file a charge of discrimination against a covered entity?
Answer: Yes, if the member of the public is a qualified individual with a disability and is a visitor, guest, or patron of a covered office of Congress. If such an individual believes that he or she has suffered discrimination when attempting to access public services, programs, and activities, or when attempting to access places of public accommodation in covered locations and offices, he or she may file a charge of discrimination with the Office of Compliance.
Question: What is defined as a covered public entity under the CAA that may be held responsible for correcting a substantiated violation of disability access and accommodations rights?
Answer: The term “public entity,” as used in the CAA, means an entity that provides public services, programs, or activities. These entities include all offices of the House of Representatives and Senate (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.
Question: What may constitute a violation of disability access and accommodations rights?
Answer: The following is a list of areas where possible violations may occur, but it is by no means an exhaustive list: accessible public restrooms; accessible public dining facilities; unequal access to public events; visual fire alarms for the hearing impaired; appropriate signage for the sight impaired (such as Braille and raised lettering); and unequal access to offices open to the public.
Question: What does filing a charge of discrimination involve on the part of an individual?
Answer: Individuals who believe their rights under Section 210 of the CAA have been violated can file a charge of discrimination with the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance. The charge must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The General Counsel’s office will then conduct its investigation.
Question: Assuming a violation of disability access and accommodations rights is substantiated by an investigation, how will the Office of Compliance seek correction of the violation?
Answer: If the investigation by the General Counsel finds that a violation has occurred, the General Counsel may request mediation to resolve the dispute. The General Counsel cannot participate in the mediation. If the mediation does not succeed in resolving the dispute, then the General Counsel may choose to file a complaint before a Hearing Officer with the Office of Compliance against any entity responsible for correcting the violation.
