In 2004, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated an investigation of the City of Durham’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).   The DOJ found that although the City was in compliance in some areas of the ADA, there were other items that needed immediate attention.  Accelerated compliance began when the City entered into a Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in September 2005.  The City was now on a committed timeline to complete specific activities.

The Settlement Agreement placed a priority on ADA compliance at the highest levels within the City administration and the City Council.  During the last five years the City has moved aggressively to complete all the items required in the Settlement Agreement. Simultaneously, it has undertaken a number of other initiatives that have benefited people with disabilities its our community.  The City of Durham has built internal systems and review structures that allow the needs of people with disabilities to be considered at the beginning of policy, programmatic or construction activities.  Many of these methodologies are repeatable in other jurisdictions and can add real value for citizens with disabilities who wish to participate in their City government, navigate the streets in their community or just receive City services. The following case study illustrates Durham’s focus to streamline resources and work collaboratively across departmental lines to create innovative solutions to increase access for all citizens.