Section 2000.4070  Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

a)         Each leased facility will, to the extent practicable, be accessible to persons with disabilities. Each lease of office space negotiated by SOS must contain specifications for accessibility.  Exceptions to the specifications will be allowed by request of the SOS Department using the space and for legitimate reasons only.  The CPO may only waive certain specifications at its own discretion in accordance with subsection (b). 

b)         Exceptions may be based upon one or more of the following criteria:

1)         No other suitable location exists within the geographic boundaries required by the operation/program at the site.

2)         No funds are appropriated to cover expenses for:

A)        relocation to an accessible site;

B)        remodeling an existing site to achieve accessibility; or

C)        construction of a new facility.

3)         The operations at the site are part of an on-going program that cannot be interrupted or terminated pending relocation, remodeling, or new construction.

4)         The operations at the site are part of a new program that must be implemented without delay to avoid:

A)        delay or interruption of vital services; or

B)        loss of funds associated with the program.

5)         The operations/programs at the site:

A)        generate a low frequency of public use; or

B)        provide a low number of job opportunities.

c)         For sites carrying out programs funded in whole or in part by Federal funds, exceptions will be granted only upon written certification from the Director of the Department whose employees are using the space that:

1)         Alternative methods have been established to deliver services to persons with disabilities; and

2)         The Secretary of State will provide necessary structural modification for qualified employees with disabilities unless this modification would cause the Secretary of State to incur undue hardship.  This requirement is based on Federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 706)) and any federal regulations implementing that Act, including those promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 10622, effective July 3, 2023)