The Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul (“SPPA”) is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from SPPA’s programs, activities, and services.
Individuals may request reasonable accommodations from SPPA which they believe will enable them to have such equal opportunity to participate in our programs, activities, and services.
To request reasonable accommodations, contact Director of Business Administration, 400 Wabasha Street N, Suite 240, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”)
The following FAQs provide information on requesting reasonable accommodations in SPPA’s programs, activities, and services.
In addition, in some cases, SPPA may consult with you in an interactive process to determine on a case-by-case basis what accommodations can be made.
If SPPA determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, activity, or service or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, SPPA may deny your request. However, in the unlikely event that this occurs, SPPA will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in SPPA’s program, activity, or service.
- What is a reasonable accommodation in SPPA’s programs, activities, and services?
A reasonable accommodation is a change or modification to afford a qualified individual with a disability full enjoyment of SPPA’s programs, activities, or services unless modifications of policies, practices, and procedures would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, activity, or service, or result in undue financial and administrative burdens to SPPA. - How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Director of Business Administration, 400 Wabasha Street N, Suite 240, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
You may also make a request for accommodations by filling out the form below,
- Does my request for a reasonable accommodation need to be in writing?
No, you do not need to put your request in writing, however, making a written request can be helpful documentation for ensuring that SPPA provides the desired accommodation. In addition, you do not need to use the specific words “reasonable accommodations” when making your request.
- When should I request a reasonable accommodation?
You may request a reasonable accommodation from SPPA at any time. However, making the request in advance of a meeting, conference call, or visit will help ensure that SPPA is able to fulfill the request for an accommodation. For certain requests, such as requests for sign language interpretation, SPPA requests at least two week’s advance notice.
- May someone request a reasonable accommodation on my behalf?
Yes, anyone can request a reasonable accommodation on behalf on an individual with a disability who seeks to interact with SPPA staff or participate in its programs, activities, or services.
- What will SPPA do upon receiving my request for a reasonable accommodation?
SPPA may contact you to obtain more information about your request and to better understand your needs. In addition, SPPA may review your request to determine:
- Whether the requested accommodation will be effective in allowing you to participate in the program, activity, or service for which you are seeking participation;
- Whether the requested accommodation is reasonable, or an equally effective alternative to the requested accommodation is available; and
- Whether providing you with the reasonable accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of SPPA’s program, activity, or service impose undue financial or administrative burdens on SPPA
In addition, in some cases, SPPA may consult with you in an interactive process to determine on a case-by-case basis what accommodations can be made.
If SPPA determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, activity, or service or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, SPPA may deny your request. However, in the unlikely event that this occurs, SPPA will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in SPPA’s program, activity, or service.
- May SPPA request medical documentation from me after receiving my request for a reasonable accommodation?
No, SPPA may not request medical documentation after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation. SPPA’s questions will be limited to understanding the barrier to your ability to participate in the program, activity, or service in which you are interested and the nature of an accommodation that will remove this barrier.
- May SPPA charge me the cost of providing the reasonable accommodation?
No, you are not responsible for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service SPPA provides to you.
- What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?
There are many types of reasonable accommodations. Some examples of how SPPA provides reasonable accommodations include:
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- Arranging for a qualified sign language interpreter
- Provide on-site captioning
- Producing alternate formats of print materials in braille, large print, or in electronic format
- Providing remote conference captioning services
- Furnishing a temporary ramp to access areas with one or more stairs to ensure accessibility for individuals who have physical disabilities and may be using a wheelchair or walker.