Request Disability Accommodation Form - Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, residents and visitors with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations from city programs, services, and facilities. This guide explains how to submit a request, which city office handles accommodations, expected timelines, possible enforcement or remedies, and typical actions when a request is approved or denied. If you need a different format to read this page or assistance filing a request, contact the city Civil Rights or Equity office listed below for help.
What is a disability accommodation request
A disability accommodation request asks the city to change a policy, provide auxiliary aids or modify procedures so a person with a disability can equally access municipal programs, services, facilities, or employment. Requests may cover public meetings, permitting processes, inspections, recreation programs, voting assistance at city-run events, or property-access issues.
How to request
- Complete the city accommodation request form or submit a written request describing the accommodation needed and the program or service affected; see the official request form link Disability Accommodation Request Form[1].
- Contact the Civil Rights & Equity or ADA Coordinator office by phone or email for assistance, intake, or to arrange alternative formats; see the Civil Rights & Equity office page Civil Rights & Equity[2].
- Provide requested supporting information if asked (medical documentation is rarely required beyond what is necessary to assess the request).
- If the request affects a scheduled event or inspection, submit as early as possible to allow the city time to arrange accommodations.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of disability accommodation obligations in Winston-Salem is handled administratively through the city Civil Rights & Equity office and, where applicable, through federal or state civil rights processes. Specific monetary fines for failure to provide accommodations are not listed on the cited city pages; see the Civil Rights & Equity office link for administrative contacts and procedures.[2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first or repeat violations and per-day continuing penalties are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary remedies: orders to provide reasonable accommodations, corrective action plans, administrative compliance deadlines, and referral to federal agencies (e.g., DOJ) or to state enforcement may occur.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: Civil Rights & Equity office (city ADA Coordinator) manages intake and compliance reviews; complaints can be submitted using the city intake form or by contacting the office directly.[2]
- Appeals and review: internal appeal or reconsideration procedures are not specified on the cited page; you may request reconsideration from the Civil Rights & Equity office and pursue external remedies through state or federal agencies within applicable time limits.
- Defences/discretion: the city may consider undue hardship, fundamental alteration, safety concerns, or availability of alternative accommodations when deciding requests.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes a Disability Accommodation Request Form for intake and recordkeeping; the form name and location are provided in the links above. If no specific form is available for your request type, submit a written request to the Civil Rights & Equity office including the event or service affected, the accommodation requested, and contact information.[1]
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Failure to provide a sign language interpreter for a scheduled public meeting — typical remedy: arrangement of interpreter services and retroactive accommodation where feasible.
- Denial of accessible restroom or facility access during a city event — typical remedy: corrective order and timeline to make temporary or permanent fixes.
- Refusal to allow service animal access — typical remedy: instructions to comply and training or policy revision.
Action steps
- Complete and submit the Disability Accommodation Request Form or provide a written request describing the needed accommodation and the affected program.
- If you need immediate help, call the Civil Rights & Equity office to request interim accommodations while your request is processed.
- If you disagree with the decision, ask the Civil Rights & Equity office about internal review or request referrals for external complaint options.
FAQ
- Who can request an accommodation?
- Any person with a disability who needs a modification or auxiliary aid to access a city program, service, or facility may request an accommodation.
- How long will a decision take?
- Processing times vary by request complexity and required coordination; specific timelines are not specified on the cited city pages, so submit requests early and ask the Civil Rights & Equity office for an estimated timeline.[2]
- Is medical proof always required?
- No; the city will generally request only the information necessary to evaluate the accommodation and may not require detailed medical records.
How-To
- Describe the program, service, event, or facility where you need an accommodation.
- Specify the accommodation you are requesting and why it is needed.
- Submit the city Disability Accommodation Request Form or a written request to the Civil Rights & Equity office and keep a copy.
- Provide additional information if requested and follow up with the office for status updates.
- If denied, request reconsideration from the Civil Rights & Equity office and ask about external complaint options.
Key Takeaways
- Use the official Disability Accommodation Request Form whenever possible.
- Contact the Civil Rights & Equity office for assistance and interim accommodations.
- Keep records of all communications and copies of submitted forms and responses.
Help and Support / Resources
- Civil Rights & Equity - City of Winston-Salem
- Disability Accommodation Request Form (official)
- City Clerk - Filing and appeals information
- ADA Coordinator / Accessibility contacts