Nondiscrimination

Nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedure

Last updated: August 2026

ABLE Center for Independent Living is committed to equal access, equal opportunity, consumer choice, self-determination, and the full participation of people with disabilities in our programs, services, activities, and operations.

ABLE Center for Independent Living operates in accordance with applicable requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, applicable requirements and guidance of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and other applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.

ABLE Center for Independent Living does not unlawfully discriminate in the provision of its programs, services, benefits, or activities on the basis of disability or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits disability discrimination by covered recipients of federal financial assistance.

Our programs and services are provided consistent with the independent living philosophy, including the principles of:

  • Consumer control
  • Peer support
  • Self-help
  • Self-determination
  • Equal access
  • Individual advocacy
  • Systems advocacy
  • Community integration and full participation

These principles are reflected in the federal Independent Living program established under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

ABLE Center for Independent Living will make reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications and provide effective communication and alternative formats when necessary to provide individuals with disabilities meaningful and equal access to our programs, services, and activities.

No qualified individual will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in an ABLE Center for Independent Living program, service, or activity.

Requesting an accommodation

Individuals who need an accommodation, alternative format, communication assistance, or other accessibility assistance may contact:

Director of Finance and Administration

ABLE Center for Independent Living
4803 Plaza Blvd, Suite 401
Odessa, Texas 79762

Requests may be made verbally or in writing. ABLE Center for Independent Living will work with the individual to determine an appropriate and effective accommodation based on the individual’s needs and the circumstances of the request.

Grievance procedure

Any individual who believes they have experienced discrimination, been denied equal access, encountered an accessibility barrier, or otherwise believes ABLE Center for Independent Living has failed to comply with an applicable nondiscrimination requirement may file a grievance.

Filing a grievance

A grievance may be made verbally, electronically, or in writing to the Director of Finance and Administration, at the address, phone number, or email above.

Whenever possible, the grievance should include:

  • The individual’s name and contact information.
  • A description of the concern or incident.
  • The date and location of the incident, if applicable.
  • The program, service, activity, or individual involved.
  • Names of individuals involved, if known.
  • Any steps already taken to address the concern.
  • The resolution or corrective action the individual is requesting, if known.

An individual is not required to use a particular format to raise a concern.

ABLE Center for Independent Living will provide assistance with preparing or submitting a grievance when needed because of a disability. The grievance process and related information are also available in alternative formats upon request.

Review of the grievance

ABLE Center for Independent Living will review grievances promptly and fairly. The organization may:

  • Contact the person filing the grievance for additional information.
  • Speak with relevant staff or other individuals.
  • Review documents or other available information.
  • Meet with the individual to discuss the concern.
  • Determine whether corrective action or another resolution is appropriate.

The individual will be informed of the outcome of the organization’s review in writing or another accessible format when appropriate.

Appeal

If an individual is dissatisfied with the outcome of a grievance, they may request an appeal or additional review by the Executive Director, at the address, phone number, or email above.

The appeal should explain why the individual disagrees with the original decision and may include any additional information they would like considered. The appeal will be reviewed and a final organizational response will be provided in writing or another accessible format when appropriate.

No retaliation

ABLE Center for Independent Living prohibits retaliation against any person because they:

  • Requested an accommodation or modification;
  • Raised an accessibility concern;
  • Filed a grievance or complaint;
  • Participated in a grievance or investigation;
  • Supported another person in raising a concern; or
  • Exercised rights protected under applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Other complaint rights

ABLE Center for Independent Living’s grievance procedure is intended to provide an accessible way to resolve concerns within the organization.

Using this grievance procedure does not prevent an individual from exercising any other rights or filing a complaint with an appropriate federal, state, or local agency when permitted by law.

Contact information

ABLE Center for Independent Living
4803 Plaza Blvd, Suite 401
Odessa, Texas 79762

Need an accommodation, or want to raise a concern?

ABLE Center for Independent Living
4803 Plaza Blvd, Suite 401, Odessa, Texas 79762