U.S. Department of Justice

                                           Civil Rights Division


                                                                               
                                           Disability Rights Section
                                           P.O. Box 66738
                                           Washington, DC 20035-6738



Honorable Carlos G. Ynostroza
Presiding Judge
Municipal Court
Oakland-Piedmont-Emeryville Judicial District
661 Washington Street
Oakland, California 94607

RE: Complaint Number X

Dear Judge Ynostroza:

The Department of Justice has reviewed the Court's modified
policies and procedures for providing accommodations for
individuals with disabilities. Your new policy should enhance
the opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in
the Court's programs, services and activities, pursuant to their
rights under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). The policy clarifies the role of the ADA Coordinator, and
the availability of interpreters and other auxiliary aids and
services for persons with hearing disabilities. Other features
of the policy, including clear descriptions of how one requests
an accommodation, publicizing the procedures in written documents
issued by the Court, and providing new signage in the court
building, will help ensure that interested persons with
disabilities are able to acquire appropriate auxiliary aids and
services. Your more clearly stated policy, including the portion
permitting written communication, should also help to avoid the
kinds of situations that led to this complaint.

We believe that your commitment to disseminate the policy to
all Court personnel, including judges, and to conduct training
for your staff, will ensure that the policy can work effectively.
With over 400,000 residents in Oakland, and with upwards of
110,000 court cases per year, the existence of clearly
articulated procedures will benefit the community of persons with
disabilities and Court staff. We sincerely appreciate the
cooperation you provided in reaching a resolution of this

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complaint. We are closing this case effective the date of this
letter. If you or any Court personnel have any questions or need
further information about the ADA, please feel free to contact
this office.


                                           Sincerely,


                                         Thomas Esbrook
                                     Disability Rights Section



cc: California Center for Law
    and the Deaf



























                                                                               
    
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