Resources and Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Notice Concerning the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law on September 25, 2008 and became effective January 1, 2009. Because this law makes several significant changes, including changes to the definition of the term “disability,” the EEOC will be evaluating the impact of these changes on this document and other publications. See the list of specific changes to the ADA made by the ADA Amendments Act.
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ADA Title II Complaint Form | (En Español)
ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials
Free ADA materials available from The Department of Justice: The U.S. Department of Justice provides free ADA materials. Printed materials may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line (1-800-514-0301 (Voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD)). Automated service is available 24-hours a day for recorded information and to order publications.
Publications are available in standard print as well as large print, audiotape, braille, and computer disk for people with disabilities.
Many of these materials are available from an automated fax system that is available 24-hours a day. To order a publication by fax, call the ADA Information Line and follow the directions for placing a fax order. When prompted to enter the document number, enter the specific number from the following publication list.
Title II Technical Assistance Manual and Supplement (1994)
ADA Regulation for Title III, as printed in the Code of Federal Regulations (7/1/94). The Department of Justice’s regulation implementing title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in “places of public accommodation” (businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public) and “commercial facilities” (other businesses). The regulation includes Appendix A to Part 36 – Standards for Accessible Design establishing minimum standards for ensuring accessibility when designing and constructing a new facility or altering an existing facility.
ADA Legal Documents
Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services
ADA Regulations for Title II, as printed in the Federal Register (7/26/91). The Department of Justice’s regulation implementing title II, subtitle A, of the ADA which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all services, programs, and activities provided to the public by state and local governments, except public transportation services.
General ADA Publications and Information
ADA Information Services: A 2-page list with the telephone numbers and internet addresses of Federal Agencies and other organizations that provide information and technical assistance to the public about the ADA.
ADA Designated Investigative Agencies (HTML) | (PDF): A 4-page list of the nine federal agencies that are designated to investigate disability-related discrimination complaints filed against state and local government programs under Title I or Title II of the ADA or against federally funded or assisted programs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Enforcing the ADA: A Status Report from the Department of Justice: A brief report issued by the Justice Department each quarter providing timely information about ADA cases and settlements, building codes that meet ADA accessibility standards, and ADA technical assistance activities.
Enforcing the ADA: Looking Back on a Decade of Progress (HTML) | (PDF): A 41-page special edition of the Department of Justice’s quarterly status report highlighting accomplishments and activities from 1990 through 2000.
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws (HTML): A 21-page booklet that provides a brief overview of ten Federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities and provides information about the federal agencies to contact for more information. (Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Tagalog and Vietnamese editions available from the ADA Information Line.)
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment (HTML) | (PDF): A 2-page pamphlet for people with disabilities providing a general explanation of the employment provisions of the ADA and how to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
ADA Mediation Program: A 6-page publication that provides an overview of the Department’s Mediation Program and examples of successfully mediated cases.
ADA Signing Ceremony Video: This 22-minute streaming video documents the speech given by President George H. W. Bush when he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990. In the video, President Bush speaks to a huge audience of activists, Congressional supporters, people with disabilities, and their families and friends gathered on the south lawn of the White House.
Businesses and Non-Profit Service Providers – Technical Assistance Manuals and Publications
Title III Technical Assistance Manual and Supplement (1994): An 83-page manual that explains in lay terms what businesses and non-profit agencies must do to ensure access to their goods, services, and facilities. Many examples are provided for practical guidance. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities: This online course explains how the ADA applies to businesses in ten short lessons. Putting these lessons into practice will allow you to comply with the ADA and welcome a whole new group of customers to purchase your goods, products, and services.
Accessible Stadiums (PDF) | (TEXT): A 4-page publication highlighting features that must be accessible in new stadiums and providing guidance on line of sight for wheelchair seating locations.
ADA Guide for Small Businesses (HTML) | (PDF): This 15-page illustrated guide presents an overview of some basic ADA requirements for small businesses that provide goods and services to the public. It provides guidance on how to make their services accessible and how tax credits and deductions may be used to offset specific costs. (Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Tagalog and Vietnamese editions available from the ADA Information Line.)
Americans with Disabilities Act Guide for Places of Lodging: Serving Guests Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision (HTML): A 12-page publication explaining what hotels, motels, and other places of transient lodging can do to accommodate guests who are blind or have low vision.
ADA Business Briefs
Short publications explaining specific ADA issues. These publications are designed to be easily printed and distributed to employees.
- Assistance at Gas Stations
- Communicating with Guests Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hotels, Motels, and Other Places of Transient Lodging
- Communicating with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings
- Restriping Parking Lots
- Service Animals
Common Questions and Concerns Regarding the ADA
Commonly Asked Questions about Service Animals: A 3-page publication explaining the requirements of the ADA regarding animals that accompany and provide services for a person with a disability. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
How to File a Title III Complaint (HTML) | (En Español): This publication details the procedure for filing a complaint under Title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability by businesses and non-profit agencies. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the ADA: A 13-page publication explaining how the requirements of the ADA apply to Child Care Centers. The document also describes some of the Department of Justice’s ongoing enforcement efforts in the child care area and it provides a resource list on sources of information on the ADA.
Questions and Answers: the ADA and Persons with HIV/AIDS: A 16-page publication explaining the requirements of the ADA for employers, businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public, and state and local governments to avoid discriminating against persons with HIV/AIDS. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
ADA Tax Incentives Packet for Businesses: A packet of information to help businesses understand and take advantage of the tax credit and deduction available for complying with the ADA.
Assistance at Self-Serve Gas Stations (HTML) | (PDF): A 1-page document providing guidance on the ADA and refueling assistance at self-serve gas stations.
Five Steps To Make New Lodging Facilities Comply With The ADA (HTML): A 3-page document highlighting five steps that owners, operators, and franchisors can take to make sure that new lodging facilities comply with the ADA.
ADA Checklist for New Lodging Facilities: This 34-page checklist is a self-help survey that owners, franchisors, and managers of lodging facilities can use to identify ADA mistakes at their facilities.
ADA Guide for Places of Lodging: Serving Guests Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision (HTML): A 12-page publication explaining what hotels, motels, and other places of transient lodging can do to accommodate guests who are blind or have low vision.
State and Local Governments – Technical Assistance Manuals and Publications
Title II Technical Assistance Manual and Supplement (1994): A 56-page manual that explains in lay terms what state and local governments must do to ensure that their services, programs, and activities are provided to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. Many examples are provided for practical guidance. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
Title II Highlights (HTML): An 8-page outline of the key requirements of the ADA for state and local governments. This publication provides detailed information in bullet format for quick reference.
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers (HTML) | (PDF): This 8-panel pocket guide provides basic information for officers about ADA requirements for communicating effectively with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Model Policy for Law Enforcement on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HTML) | (PDF): This 4-page document serves as a model for law enforcement agencies when adopting a policy on effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Agencies are encouraged to download and adapt the policy to suit their needs.
ADA Guide for Small Towns (HTML) | (PDF): A 21-page guide that presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements and provides cost-effective tips on how small towns can comply with the ADA.
ADA Checklist for Polling Places: This 39-page checklist is a self-help survey that voting officials can use to determine whether a polling place has basic accessible features needed by most voters with disabilities.
ADA / Section 504 Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correction Facilities (HTML): A 5-page publication providing guidance on preventing discrimination against inmates with mobility disabilities through the design of accessible cells in state and local correctional facilities.
The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems (HTML): A 9-page document that contains a sampling of common problems shared by city governments of all sizes, provides examples of common deficiencies and explains how these problems affect persons with disabilities.
An ADA Guide for Local Governments: Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities (HTML) | (PDF – screen version – 1.5MB) | (PDF – print version – 3.5MB): A 11-page illustrated publication that provides guidance on preparing for and carrying out emergency response programs in a manner that results in the services being accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities (HTML) | (PDF – screen version – 236k) | (PDF – print version – 1.58MB): A 5-page publication providing guidance on making State and local government websites accessible.
Accessible Stadiums (PDF) | (TEXT): A 4-page publication highlighting features that must be accessible in new stadiums and providing guidance on line of sight for wheelchair seating locations.
Commonly Asked Questions about the ADA and Law Enforcement (HTML) | (PDF): A 12-page publication providing information for law enforcement agencies in a simple question and answer format.
Questions and Answers: The ADA and Hiring Police Officers (HTML) | (PDF). A 5-page publication providing information on ADA requirements for interviewing and hiring police officers.
Commonly Asked Questions About Title II of the ADA: A 6-page fact sheet explaining the requirements of the ADA for state and local governments. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
Access for 9-1-1 and Telephone Emergency Services (HTML) | (PDF): A 10-page publication explaining the requirements for direct, equal access to 9-1-1 for persons who use teletypewriters (TTYs).
Questions and Answers: the ADA and Persons with HIV/AIDS. A 16-page publication explaining the requirements of the ADA for employers, businesses and non-profit agencies that serve the public, and state and local governments to avoid discriminating against persons with HIV/AIDS. (Spanish edition available from the ADA Information Line.)
Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the ADA: A 13-page publication explaining how the requirements of the ADA apply to Child Care Centers. The document also describes some of the Department of Justice’s ongoing enforcement efforts in the child care area and it provides a resource list on sources of information on the ADA.
Title II Complaint Form | (En Español). Standard form for filing a complaint under Title II of the ADA or section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments and by recipients of federal financial assistance.
