ADA notice to individuals seeking public services

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) follows Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. We will make reasonable modifications to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to our programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcome in DPS offices, although animals are generally prohibited.

Effective communication

On request, DPS will provide appropriate communication aids and services to qualified persons with disabilities. Such aids and services might include qualified sign language interpreters or Braille documents.

Requesting accommodation for a driver’s license test

If you are planning to take a written knowledge test or road examination for a driver’s license and need a communication aid or other modification of testing procedures, call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-284-1234.

Requesting accommodation for another program, service or activity

If you need accommodation to participate in any other program, service, or activity of DPS, contact the department’s ADA coordinator (651-539-1875 or ada.accommodations.dps@state.mn.us) at least 48 hours in advance of the event. DPS cannot provide any modifications that would significantly alter its programs or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

No surcharges

DPS will not charge individuals with disabilities for the cost of providing communication aids or other modifications.

Complaints

If you believe a program, service, or activity of DPS is inaccessible to persons with disabilities, contact the department’s ADA coordinator (651-539-1875 or ada.accommodations.dps@state.mn.us).

If you are a qualified person with a disability and DPS has denied your request for accommodation, you may appeal that decision using the grievence procedure.

Grievance procedure

This procedure may be used to file a complaint alleging disability discrimination in the services, activities, and programs that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides to the public. The procedure complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

There are two ways you can file a complaint of alleged disability discrimination:

1. Put your complaint in writing, including details such as your name, address, and phone number. Explain what happened and when and where it happened.
2. If a disability prevents you from making a written complaint, DPS can provide other ways to report your concerns, such as personal interviews or audio recordings.

While it is best to file a complaint as soon as possible, you must file it within 60 calendar days of the alleged discrimination. Send your complaint to:

ADA Coordinator, Internal Affairs and Affirmative Action
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 530
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-5530

ada.accommodations.dps@state.mn.us

The ADA coordinator will contact you within 15 days to discuss your concerns and possible solutions. Within another 15 calendar days, the ADA coordinator will send you DPS’ written response and offer options for resolving the complaint. At your request, the ADA coordinator can send the written response in an accessible format.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may appeal the decision to the Commissioner of Public Safety within 15 calendar days. The Commissioner or their representative will meet with you within 15 calendar days to discuss your complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 days of that meeting, they will respond with a written final resolution of the complaint. At your request, this final decision can be provided in an accessible format.

DPS keeps all written complaint records for at least three years.