Ellington Behavioral Health to Make Changes to Ensure Effective Communication with Persons with Disabilities

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WAIRE, LLC, the owner of the medical practice known as ELLINGTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH in Ellington, has entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA").

This matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language. The complainant alleges that Ellington Behavioral Health did not provide them with an American Sign Language interpreter for several mental health counseling appointments. Based on its investigation, the government confirmed that Ellington Behavioral Health failed to provide an American Sign Language interpreter for this individual for at least six appointments. Under the ADA, public accommodations, including health care providers, are required to provide American Sign Language interpreters if needed to facilitate effective communication with persons with disabilities.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Ellington Behavioral health has agreed not to discriminate based on disability in the future and will provide persons with disabilities with full and equal enjoyment of its services. As part of that obligation, Ellington Behavioral Health will provide auxiliary aids and services, including American Sign Language interpreters, to ensure effective communication with its patients and their companions who have disabilities. Ellington Behavioral Health has also agreed to provide reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities consistent with the ADA. Ellington Behavioral Health will also pay $5,000 to compensate the complainant.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that Ellington Behavioral Health has worked cooperatively 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, and the U.S. Attorney's Office will monitor compliance during that time.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities 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 the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.