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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy

​Policy Statement

SFMade complies with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. People with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from SFMade programs, services, and activities.

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ADA Coordinator

SFMade designates the Program Manager, Paawan Kothari, as the ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator is responsible for:

  • Receiving and processing requests for reasonable accommodations.

  • Coordinating ADA grievances under Section 6 below.

  • Maintaining ADA-related records.

  • Advising staff on accessibility obligations.

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Reasonable Accommodations

SFMade provides reasonable accommodations to enable participation in our programs and services. Examples include:

  • Accessible meeting locations and routes.

  • Materials in alternative formats, such as large print or electronic text.

  • Sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices, where feasible and with advance notice.

  • Flexible scheduling and modified delivery of advising or workshop content.

  • Permitting service animals in SFMade spaces.

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How to Request an Accommodation

Participants may request an accommodation by contacting the ADA Coordinator using the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (Appendix C), by email, by phone, or in person. Requests should be made at least five (5) business days before the relevant program or event when possible, though SFMade will make every reasonable effort to respond to shorter-notice requests.

The ADA Coordinator responds to accommodation requests within five (5) business days. If the request cannot be granted as submitted, the ADA Coordinator works with the participant to identify alternatives. SFMade keeps disability-related information confidential.

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Program Accessibility

SFMade considers accessibility in:

  • Selection of event and program venues.

  • Design of digital communications and the SFMade website.

  • Development of program materials and curricula.

  • Procurement of equipment and technology.

 

ADA Grievance Procedure

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Policy Statement

Any person who believes SFMade has discriminated on the basis of disability, denied equal access, or failed to provide a reasonable accommodation may file an ADA grievance. This procedure is separate from the general grievance procedure in Section 4 and applies agency-wide to all SFMade programs, services, and activities.

 

Who Can File

Any person with a disability, or a person acting on their behalf, may file an ADA grievance. Filing a grievance does not affect the person's ability to receive SFMade services.

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Procedure

  1. Submit the grievance. The complainant submits a written ADA grievance to the ADA Coordinator (Paawan Kothari, paawan@sfmade.org) using the ADA Grievance Form (Appendix B), by email, by mail, or by phone. Verbal grievances will be documented by staff. The grievance should be filed within sixty (60) calendar days of the alleged violation when possible.

  2. Acknowledge. The ADA Coordinator acknowledges receipt in writing within five (5) business days.

  3. Investigate. The ADA Coordinator investigates the grievance, which may include interviews with the complainant and SFMade staff, review of policies and records, and a site visit if relevant. The investigation is completed within twenty (20) business days.

  4. Decide. The ADA Coordinator issues a written decision within thirty (30) business days of receipt. The decision states the findings, any corrective action SFMade will take, and the right to appeal. The decision is provided in an accessible format on request.

  5. Appeal to the Interim CEO. The complainant may appeal in writing to the Interim CEO (Joyce Shulman, joyce@sfmade.org) within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the decision. The Interim CEO issues a written decision within twenty (20) business days.

  6. Final appeal to the Board. The complainant may submit a final appeal to the Board of Directors at board@sfmade.org within fifteen (15) business days of the Interim CEO's decision. The Board issues a final written decision within thirty (30) business days.

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Alternative Formats

All communications under this procedure are available in alternative formats upon request, including large print, electronic text, and other formats that meet the complainant's accessibility needs.

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External Remedies

Filing an ADA grievance with SFMade does not limit the complainant's right to file with:

  • The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (ada.gov).

  • The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).

  • The California Civil Rights Department (calcivilrights.ca.gov).

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Confidentiality

SFMade treats ADA grievance information as confidential. Records are shared only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know, or as required by law.

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No Retaliation

SFMade does not retaliate against any person who files an ADA grievance, requests an accommodation, or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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