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The agreement resolves an Americans With Disabilities Act complaint filed by an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing who said Patriot National Bank would not do business with her via the phone using a telecommunications relay service.
“Individuals who have disabilities must not be denied equal access to the services offered by financial institutions simply because of their disability,” Daly said. “Patriot National Bank’s cooperation during this investigation has shown that it is committed to equal access and effective communication with its customers who have disabilities.”
The agreement requires Patriot Bank to accept all relay calls in all of its branches and amend its policies, practices and training to ensure the removal of barriers to access at its locations.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by businesses that serve the public. Among other things, the ADA requires financial institutions, accountants, lawyers, doctors and other businesses to provide auxiliary aids and services that are necessary for effective communication.
For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, auxiliary aids include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, use of relay services, computer-assisted real time transcription, and, for simple communications, the exchange of written notes.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of discrimination can file a complaint with the U.S. attorney’s office at 203-821-3700.
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