U.S. Department of Justice
                                           Civil Rights Division

                                           Disability Rights Section
                                           P.O. Box 66738
                                           Washington, DC 20035-678

                                             NOV 15 1996 (STAMPED)

Ms. Rowena Parkinson
Supervisor of Elections
Okeechobee County
307 Northwest 2nd Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972

     RE: Complaint Number XX

Dear Ms. Parkinson:

     This letter concerns the resolution of the complaint that
was filed against Okeechobee County, Florida alleging violations
of title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by State and
local governments. The complainant alleged that the polling
place at the Shrine Club is inaccessible to wheelchair users
because of an 8 to 10 inch step at the entrance. The complainant
stated that the yard area leading to the Shrine Club is not
smooth and level because of grass and weeds and is therefore
difficult for wheelchair users to negotiate. The complainant
also alleged that the door into the Moose Club polling place is
difficult to open by persons with mobility impairments.

     In a letter to the Department dated October 25, 1996, you
advised that the polling place at the Shrine Club has been
improved. Specifically, a sidewalk from the parking lot to the
door has been poured resulting in a level entrance. You also
mentioned that the Poll Deputy at the Moose Lodge polling place
was instructed to open the door for individuals with
disabilities.

     Based on the foregoing information we have determined that
the complaints against Okeechobee County have been resolved. We
are therefore closing our files in this matter, as of the date of
this letter. The Department of Justice will take no further


cc: Records, Chrono, Wodatch, Morrow, Sheppard
    udd\sheppard\closure.par



01-00464



action in this matter. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you
have any questions regarding this matter please contact me at
(202)307-2735 (Voice).

                                      Sincerely,


                                     (SIGNATURE)


                                   Brenda A. Sheppard
                                Disability Rights Section
                                  Civil Rights Division

01-00465

                                           U.S. Department of Justice
                                           Civil Rights Division


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

                                            NOV 15 1996 (STAMPED)
XXX
XXX
XXX

     Re: Complaint Number XX

Dear Mr. XX:

     This is in reference to the complaint that you filed with
the Department against Okeechobee County alleging violations of
the title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by
state and local governments.

     We are enclosing a copy of our response to the Supervisor
of Elections, Okeechobee County regarding your complaints against
the polling places at the Shrine Club and Moose Lodge. Our
determination does not affect your right to pursue your
allegations in some other fashion. Title II gives individuals
the right to file suit to obtain relief and you may wish to
consult a private attorney to discuss that option.

     If you have any questions regarding our correspondence
please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-307-2735.

                               Sincerely

                              (SIGNATURE)


                          Brenda A. Sheppard
                            Investigator
                       Disability Rights Section



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