Accessibility Accommodations

Willamalane welcomes individuals of all abilities to participate in and enjoy programs, facilities, parks, and open spaces. Willamalane aims to support the unique needs of each individual to deliver accessible recreation and play to promote an exceptional quality of life. 

Accommodation Requests

Accommodation requests help people experiencing disabilities get individualized help in accessing all Willamalane programs and activities. There are usually no extra costs or fees associated with inclusion or accommodation services. Sometimes personal service workers may have to pay fees to attend trips with individuals they are assisting. Please submit accommodation requests at least two weeks before the date needed. Some accommodations can be fulfilled in less time.

Willamalane’s inclusion service coordinator will conduct an initial assessment and create an accommodation plan. Willamalane will conduct ongoing observations to ensure the plan and support go smoothly. 

Willamalane reserves the right to deny a request if modifications are not supported by the data in the assessment or documentation if the community member does not meet the essential eligibility criteria, or if the request does not fall under the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

MAKE AN ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Essential Eligibility Requirements are a minimal set of factors determining whether a person will be permitted to use a facility or program. In most cases, with reasonable accommodations, an individual can meet the essential requirements for participation. 

Capacity: The participant must register for the program.
Fee: The participant must pay the appropriate registration fee. Individuals will not be charged a higher fee if accommodations are necessary. 
Age: The activity must be age-appropriate. For example, a 15-year-old may not register to participate with 3-year-olds, regardless of cognitive ability. 
Rules of conduct: Persons must agree to the conduct of users (Ordinance No. 100). 
Safety: All participants must refrain from placing themselves and/or others at risk with aggressive or unsafe behavior. 
Relative skill: The participant must possess the following relative skills in most Willamalane program settings: 

  • Able to use consistent communication to indicate basic needs and follow simple directions. 
  • Voluntarily engage in scheduled activities for most of the program time with or without reasonable accommodations. 
  • Able to tolerate and function, with assistance, as a member of a larger social group (12 or more people). 
  • Remain with the instructor, follow directions to the best of their ability, and refrain from disrupting the class/program, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

All participants must be able to conduct services of a personal nature (feeding, dressing, toileting) independently. Staff are not required to help participants perform services of a personal nature. If a participant requires personal care, a caregiver may attend with the participant.

Accessible Special Events

Many special events are accessible or can be designed to accommodate specific accessibility needs. To inquire about upcoming events, please the events team at 541-736-4528

Grievances

If you have experienced any form of discrimination because of a disability at a Willamalane program, please file a grievance. Grievances should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation.

FILE A GRIEVANCE

What to expect after filing a grievance: 

  • Willamalane’s inclusion coordinator or their designee will contact you within 15 days to discuss your submission and possible resolutions.
  • Within the next 15 days, they will respond in writing to explain Willamalane’s position and offer options for substantive resolution of the grievance. If needed, the response may be in a format accessible to you, such as large print, Braille, or audiotape.
  • If you're dissatisfied with the response, you can appeal within 15 days of receiving it.
  • Willamalane’s executive director or their designee will review your grievance and response. They'll meet with you within 15 days to discuss potential solutions.
  • Within 15 days after this meeting, you will receive a final written response from the executive director or their designee outlining the resolution. This response may also be provided in an accessible format if necessary.
  • Willamalane will retain all documents related to the grievance for at least three years.

Accessible Parks and Facilities 

Willamalane’s ADA transition plan guides hundreds of projects to improve access to Willamalane parks and facilities. To create this plan, Willamalane partnered with Lane Independent Living Alliance to audit all the district’s parks and facilities. The audit identified 389 barriers at parks and 65 barriers at facilities.

LEARN MORE

ADA Service Animal Guidelines

In accordance with the ADA, Willamalane allows service animals to access most public areas within its property. Service animal means any dog that is trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The provision of emotional support, well-being, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purpose of this definition. Service animals are permitted in most public areas, except pools and shower facilities, unless the animal is out of control or the animal is not house-broken. All service animals must be leashed unless the handler is unable because of a disability to use one or use would interfere with the service animal’s ability to perform work tasks. 

Assistive Listening Devices

In 2022, Willamalane installed a hearing loop at Bob Keefer Center to better meet the needs of community members and staff with hearing loss. This technology helps people with telecoil-enabled hearing aids and cochlear implants to hear speakers clearly. There is also an assistive listening device available at Willamalane Adult Activity Center