Accessibility Statement
The Office of the Public Advocate for the City of New York is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continuing to improve the user experience and applying the relevant accessibility standards for everyone.
Conformance status
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. The Office of the Public Advocate is partially conformant with WCAG 2.0 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on this website by emailing accessibility@advocate.nyc.gov. We try to respond to feedback within 5 business days.
Assessment Approach
We assess the accessibility of our digital content through self-evaluation and constituent feedback.
This statement was created on June 20th, 2024, using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool.
Notice of Rights Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Policies Prohibiting Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), The New York City Public Advocate Office (NYCPAO) does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities.
It is the policy of the NYCPAO to comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. The NYCPAO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of its programs, services and activities and strives to create a more accessible City so that all people have equal representation and a place to voice their concerns and values.
Employment related complaints for employees and applicants for employment seeking a reasonable accommodation are covered under the City’s EEO Policy which can be found at nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/agencies/nyc_eeo_ policy.pdf
Any member of the public who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a reasonable modification of policies or procedures in order to participate in our programs, services, or activities (involving matters other than employment) is invited to direct their needs and preferences to NYCPAO’s Disability Service Coordinator by email or mail:
Tameerah Hodges
Disability Service Coordinator
New York City Public Advocate Office
David N. Dinkins Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, 15th Fl S New York, NY 10007
Email: gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov
Requests should be made as soon as possible but no later than three (3) business days before the scheduled program, service or activity. Questions, concerns, or requests for additional information may be directed to the NYCPAO’s Disability Service Coordinator.
If you believe you have been denied an auxiliary aid or service or a reasonable modification of policies or procedures in order to participate in programs, services or activities provided by NYCPAO, please see our grievance procedure, below.
Grievance Procedure for Members of the Public Alleging Discrimination Based on Disability
Any member of the public alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by NYCPAO may file a grievance withNYCPAO which should contain:
- the name, address, telephone number and/or email of the grievant and
- information about the alleged discrimination, such as the location, date, and description of the incident or alleged violation of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, NY State Human Rights Law, or NYC Human Rights Law.
“Grievance” is the term for the allegation filed with NYCPAO by a member of the public.
“Grievant” is the term for the person alleging discrimination in the grievance.
Policies Prohibiting Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
The grievance should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the date of the alleged violation to:
Tameerah Hodges
Disability Service Coordinator
New York City Public Advocate Office
David N. Dinkins Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, 15th Fl S New York, NY 10007
Email: gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov
(Please include “Grievance” in the subject line.)
The grievance may be filed in one of two ways:
- By submitting the grievance in writing by mail or email using the above address; or
- Upon request, by an alternative means, such as an in-person interview or an audio recording, describing the incident or alleged violation of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, NY State Human Rights Law, or NYC Human Rights Law. A request for an alternative means of filing may be granted as an accommodation for a grievant with a disability.
Timeline Following Filing of Grievance
Within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the grievance, the Disability Service Coordinator or designee will contact the grievant to discuss the grievance and possible resolutions.
Within fifteen (15) calendar days of this contact with the grievant, the Disability Service Coordinator or designee will provide a response in writing. Grievants may request the response in an additional format accessible to them, such as large print, Braille, or audio recording. This response will address the grievance, describe NYCPAO’s position, and offer options for substantive resolution of the grievance, where applicable.
When and How to File an Appeal
The grievant may appeal NYCPAO’s decision within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of NYCPAO’s response. The appeal should be mailed to:
New York City Public Advocate Office
David N. Dinkins Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, 15th Fl S New York, NY 10007
Email: gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov
(Please include “Grievance Appeal” in the subject line.)
The appeal may be filed in one of two ways:
- By submitting the appeal in writing and by mail using the above address; or
- Upon request, by an alternative means, such as an in-person interview or an audio recording, describing the incident or alleged violation of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, NY State Human Rights Law, or NYC Human Rights Law. A request for an alternative means of filing may be granted as an accommodation for a grievant with a disability.
Timeline Following Filing of Appeal
NYCPAO’s response to the appeal will be provided to the grievant in writing within sixty (60) days following receipt of the appeal. Grievants may request the response in an additional format accessible to them, such as large print, Braille, or audio recording. This response will address the appeal, describe NYCPAO’s decision, and offer options for substantive resolution of the appeal, where applicable. All written grievances, appeals, and responses in connection with a grievance made to NYCPAO will be retained for at least three (3) years.
Note: Upon request to the Disability Service Coordinator, this page can be made available in an alternative format.