Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAIRE, LLC, owner of Ellington Behavioral Health in Ellington, has entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This matter began with a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and communicates using American Sign Language. The complainant alleged that Ellington Behavioral Health did not provide an interpreter for several mental health counseling appointments. The government’s investigation confirmed that Ellington Behavioral Health failed to provide an interpreter for at least six appointments. Under the ADA, public accommodations, including healthcare providers, must provide interpreters if needed to facilitate effective communication with persons with disabilities.
Under the settlement agreement terms, Ellington Behavioral Health has agreed not to discriminate based on disability and will ensure full and equal enjoyment of its services for persons with disabilities. This includes providing auxiliary aids and services, such as American Sign Language interpreters, to ensure effective communication with patients and their companions who have disabilities. The practice has also agreed to make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures consistent with the ADA. Additionally, Ellington Behavioral Health will pay $5,000 to compensate the complainant.
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that Ellington Behavioral Health has cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make their mental health services more accessible without litigation.
The settlement agreement is effective for three years, during which time the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance.
Members of the public wishing to file a complaint alleging inaccessibility at any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700 and ask for the Civil Rights Intake Specialist.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and its enforced laws is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.
