ADA Grievance Procedures

Complaints alleging violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in the provision of services, programs, or activities by the Erie County Court of Common Pleas or any magisterial district court within the Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania should be filed in accordance with the following steps:

  • Complete the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s Grievance Form and return it to the ADA Coordinator at the below address or by fax or e-mail:
    • Jennifer Rager
      Deputy Court Administrator
      Erie County Court of Common Pleas
      140 West Sixth Street
      Room 205
      Erie, PA 16501
      Phone: 814-451-6308
      Fax: 814-451-6223
      TDD: 814-451-6237
      Email: jrager@eriecountypa.gov
  • Within 15 calendar days of receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator will investigate the complaint, including meeting with the individual seeking an accommodation, either in person or via telephone, to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille or audio. The response will explain the Sixth Judicial District’s position and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.
  • If the response to the complaint does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the District Court Administrator:
    • Robert J. Catalde, Esquire
      District Court Administrator
      Erie County Court of Common Pleas
      140 West Sixth Street
      Room 210
      Erie, PA 16501
      Phone: 814-451-6295
      Fax: 814-451-6464
      TDD: 814-451-6237
      Email: rcatalde@eriecountypa.gov
  • Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the District Court Administrator will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the District Court Administrator will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with final resolution of the complaint.

The grievance procedure is informal. An individual’s participation in this informal process is completely voluntary. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to and does not preclude a complainant from pursuing other remedies available under law.

The UJS policy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity also encompasses disability-related issues and provides complaint procedures for UJS court users. Any employment-related disability discrimination complaints will be governed by the UJS Policy on Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity.