ADA Information

We Make Reasonable Accommodations.

BRITE customers with disabilities who may have difficulty accessing BRITE’s services, notwithstanding the measures described above, may request that BRITE make “reasonable modifications” to that policy and related procedures to accommodate customers’ needs. BRITE will make such requests a priority. When BRITE cannot honor a specific request, BRITE will take, to the maximum extent possible, other actions to ensure that the customer is able to avail him or herself of BRITE’s services.

To make a request, customers should:

• Direct the request to the customer service number 540-943-9302, preferably at the time of making a reservation for service;
• Whenever feasible, request the modification in advance of the planned trip so that BRITE can make a determination as to whether it can meet the request;
• Describe what modifications they may need to be able to use BRITE service;
• Alternative formats of information will be made available upon request.

Denial of accommodation requests can be on the following grounds:

• Would fundamentally alter the provided services;
• Create a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
• The individual is fully able to use the services without the modification.

BRITE will take all reasonable steps to accommodate such requests and, when unable to accommodate the request, will provide customers with an alternative or explanation when we are unable to do so.

Service Animals
Service animals are permitted on BRITE vehicles. Service animals are any animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. They may accompany passengers in the vehicles or facilities. The passenger must be in direct control of the service animal at all times.

ADA Visitors

Service will be provided to eligible visitors. Visitors are presumed eligible for service after providing documentation of their ADA eligibility in the jurisdiction where they reside. If no such documentation is available, the visitor is to provide documentation of residence outside of the jurisdiction where service is being requested and, if the disability is not apparent, proof of the disability. Service is provided for no more than twenty-one (21) days during a three hundred sixty-five (365) day period. After twenty-one (21) days of service in this time frame, visitors are required to complete BRITE’s full eligibility process.

Notice & Complaint Procedure

Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), BRITE will not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities.

Employment:

Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) and BRITE do not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA.

Effective Communication:

BRITE will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in BRITE programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.

Modifications to Policies and Procedures:

BRITE will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in BRITE programs, services, or activities, should contact the ADA Coordinator, Ann Cundy at 540-885-5174 or ann@cspdc.org, as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

The ADA does not require BRITE to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose any undue financial or administrative burden.

BRITE will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy.

· Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Complaints
Individuals have the right to file complaints if they believe their rights have been violated under the ADA. Complaints should be in writing, and should be submitted by the complainant and/or their designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation. For individuals who are unable to file a written complaint due to a disability, BRITE staff will provide assistance or accept the complaint via alternative methods, such as a telephone interview or audio recording. Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolution. Within 15 calendar days the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing, or other accessible format. Complainant and/or designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of response if not satisfactory to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

ADA Complaint Form

Complaints that BRITE programs, services, or activities are not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to:
Ann Cundy, ADA Coordinator
112 MacTanly Place
Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-5174
ann@cspdc.org

Safety Information:

• You may not operate any audio or visual equipment that might interfere with the comfort of other passengers or impair the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
• We cannot allow any inappropriate behavior, activities, or conversations on board, as they might interfere with the safety and comfort of other passengers.
• For safety reasons, you are encouraged to wear a seatbelt.
• If you need additional help boarding or exiting the vehicle, please do not hesitate to ask.
• Mobility devices are not to exceed the capacity of ramp.
• Portable oxygen and respirators are permitted on BRITE vehicles.