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How to file an ADA grievance with Boston

Last updated:

You can file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint if you think the City has discriminated against you because of a disability. You have a couple of options:

Step
1

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED ONLINE

You can file a grievance if you think the City has discriminated against you because of your disability or has not provided access to meetings, services, programs, or activities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

You must file your complaint within 120 days of the incident. We need to know your name, address, and phone number. You will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.

Step
2

SUBMIT YOUR GRIEVANCE ONLINE

You can file a complaint through this online form. In the form you will be asked for the following information:

  • Your name and contact information
  • The department and program or service you were interacting with
  • The date and location of the incident
  • What happened that you think was discriminatory

Please include any other information you think could help us like the names of City staff you talked to or types of supporting documents you may have

Submit an ADA Grievance

Step
3

DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH THE CITY

Within 30 days of getting your complaint, the Disabilities Commission will contact you to talk about your grievance.

We’ll investigate your case and give you our decision in writing, or in whatever format works best for you. We will let you know the City’s opinion, and also offer ways to resolve the dispute.

Step
1

Before you get started in person

You can file a grievance if you think the City has discriminated against you because of your disability or has not provided access to meetings, services, programs, or activities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

You must file your complaint within 120 days of the incident. We need to know your name, address, and phone number. You will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.

Step
2

Create your grievance

You can print out complete this grievance form before you visit City Hall. Grievance forms in SpanishSimplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese are available. You can also create your own complaint:

  • we need to know your name, address, and phone number, and
  • you will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.
Step
3

Go to Boston City Hall

You can drop off your grievance at the Disabilities Commission:

  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 967
  • Boston, MA 02201
  • Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5  p.m.
Step
4

Discuss your case with the City

Within 30 days of getting your complaint, the Disabilities Commission will contact you to talk about your grievance.

We’ll investigate your case and give you our decision in writing, or in whatever format works best for you. We will let you know the City’s opinion, and also offer ways to resolve the dispute.

Step
1

Before you get started by mail

You can file a grievance if you think the City has discriminated against you because of your disability or has not provided access to meetings, services, programs, or activities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

You must file your complaint within 120 days of the incident.  We need to know your name, address, and phone number. You will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.

Step
2

Create your grievance

You can print out complete this grievance form before you visit City Hall. Grievance forms in SpanishSimplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese are available. You can also create your own complaint:

  • we need to know your name, address, and phone number, and
  • you will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.
Step
3

Mail your grievance to the City

You can send your grievance to:

  • Disabilities Commission
  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 967
  • Boston, MA 02201
Step
4

Discuss your case with the City

Within 30 days of getting your complaint, the Disabilities Commission will contact you to talk about your grievance.

We’ll investigate your case and give you our decision in writing, or in whatever format works best for you. We will let you know the City’s opinion, and also offer ways to resolve the dispute.

Step
1

Before you get started by phone

You can file a grievance if you think the City has discriminated against you because of your disability or has not provided access to meetings, services, programs, or activities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

You must file your complaint within 120 days of the incident. We need to know your name, address, and phone number. You will also need to give us the location, date, and a description of the alleged discrimination.

Step
2

Contact the City

You can file a complaint through a personal interview or tape recording as long as you let us know. Contact us for more information:

  • Disabilities Commission
  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 967
  • Boston, MA 02201
  • Phone:  617-635-3682 (Teletype: 617-635-2541)
  • Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5  p.m.
Step
3

Discuss your case with the City

Within 30 days of getting your complaint, the Disabilities Commission will contact you to talk about your grievance.

We’ll investigate your case and give you our decision in writing, or in whatever format works best for you. We will let you know the City’s opinion, and also offer ways to resolve the dispute.

Appealing a decision

If you don’t agree with the City’s decision, you have 15 days after you get it to appeal to the Equity And Inclusion Cabinet chief.

Call 617-635-3682 (TTY: 617-635-2541) for more information.

  • Need to Know:
    AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

    After the ADA passed in 1990, the City of Boston developed an ADA Transition plan to provide equal access for people with disabilities. The Disabilities Commission tracks Boston’s efforts to meet compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA Title II coordinator for Boston is Disabilities Commissioner Kristen McCosh.

  • Contact:
    Disabilities Commission
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