Notice

The City of Lorena is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the City of Lorena's open meetings, activities, and services.

Individuals may request reasonable accommodations from the City of Lorena that they believe will enable them to have such equal opportunity to participate in our open meetings, activities, and services.

To request reasonable accommodations, email the city of Lorena's City Secretary or call 254-857-4641.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change or modification to afford a qualified individual with a disability full enjoyment of the City of Lorena's open meetings, activities, and services, unless modifications of policies, practices, and procedures would fundamentally alter the nature of the meeting, service or activity, or result in undue financial and administrative burdens to the City of Lorena.

2. How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the City of Lorena's City Secretary via email at mhendrix@lorenatx.gov; or telephone at: 254-857-4641.

3. Does my request for a reasonable accommodation need to be in writing?

No, you do not need to request in writing.  However, making a written request can be helpful documentation for ensuring that the City of Lorena is aware of the specific accommodation you require.  In addition, you do not need to use the specific words “reasonable accommodations” when making your request.

4. When should I request a reasonable accommodation?

You must request a reasonable accommodation from the City of Lorena at three (3) business days prior to the meeting, activity, or service. However, making the request in advance of a meeting, conference call, or visit will help ensure that the City of Lorena is able to fulfill the request for an accommodation.  For certain requests, such as for sign language interpretation, the City of Lorena prefers at least one (1) week of advance notice.

5. May someone request a reasonable accommodation on my behalf?

Yes, anyone can request a reasonable accommodation on behalf of an individual with a disability who seeks to interact with the City of Lorena staff or participate in its meetings, activities, or services. Please provide contact information for the person(s) in need of the accommodation so the City of Lorena may adequately understand the request and provide the proper accommodations based on the needs of the individual attending the City of Lorena's meetings, activities, or services.    

6.  What will the City of Lorena do upon receiving my request for a reasonable accommodation?

The City of Lorena will contact you to obtain more information about your request and to better understand your needs.  In addition, the City of Lorena may seek additional information to determine:

• Whether the requested accommodation will be effective in allowing you to participate in the program, activity, or service in which you are seeking participation;
• Whether the requested accommodation is reasonable, or an equally effective alternative to the requested accommodation is available; and
• Whether providing you with the requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the City of Lorena's meeting, activity, or service, or impose undue financial or administrative burdens on the City of Lorena.

In addition, in some cases, the City of Lorena may consult with you to determine whether your requested accommodation or an alternative accommodation can be made.

If the City of Lorena determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the meeting, activity, or service, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, the City of Lorena may deny your request.  However, in the event that this occurs, the City of Lorena will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in the City of Lorena's meeting, activity, or service.

7. May the City of Lorena charge you the cost of providing the reasonable accommodation?

No, you are not responsible for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service the City of Lorena provides to you.

8. What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?

There are many types of reasonable accommodations.  Some examples of how the City of Lorena may provide a reasonable accommodation include:

• Arranging for qualified sign language interpreters
• Providing on-site captioning
• Producing alternate formats of print materials in braille, large print, or in an electronic format
• Providing remote conference captioning services
• Furnishing a temporary ramp to access the dais or other areas with one or more stairs to ensure accessibility for individuals who have physical disabilities and may be using a wheelchair or walker