(KAIR)--The Valley Hope Association will pay $25,000 to settle allegations that it violated the American with Disabilities Act.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall, in a news release, says the operator of addiction treatment centers signed the agreement with the Justice Department, resolving allegations that Valley Hope offered its residential treatment services on a “less than equal basis to individuals with HIV/AIDS.”

Valley Hope Association, of Norton, Kansas, operates 16 addiction treatment centers in seven states, including a facility in Atchison.

After an investigation, it was alleged that Valley Hope had a policy or practice that individuals with HIV/AIDS were required to stay in separate rooms during residential treatment unless they revealed their HIV/AIDS status to their potential roommate. Furthermore, Valley Hope had a policy or practice that prevented individuals with HIV/AIDS from engaging in certain work activities around the residential facility.

 Under the agreement, Valley Hope is required to adopt measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully and equally enjoy the various goods, services, facilities, and accommodations provided at Valley Hope treatment centers.

Valley Hope will adopt and implement a formal non-discrimination policy that will be posted in each facility and on its website and provide mandatory annual training on title III of the ADA to Valley Hope’s employees and contractors. Under the settlement,

Valley Hope will also pay $20,000.00 to the complainant and a $5,000 civil penalty.