The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 bolstered the rights of people with disabilities to access goods and services on an equal basis with individuals without disabilities. The enforcement and method of accommodation can be varied among businesses and government entities. Generally speaking, public and private agencies make legitimate strides to comply with the ADA, but many are unaware of the comprehensive nature of the statute.
In March 2011, new regulations became effective, enhancing previous components of the ADA. Below is a list of links particularly relevant to the DHS community of stakeholders and consumers. Please note that not all of the publications have been updated to reflect the most recent regulatory changes.
Revised ADA Regulations (effective 3/11) Implementing Title II and Title III
Americans with Disabilities Act webpage
Supreme Court Olmstead Decision
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities
Communicating with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing – A guide for law
enforcement officers
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings
Hospital Access for hard of hearing and late deafened patients
Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities
ADA Guide for Serving Guests who are blind or have low vision
ADA Guide for use of Service Animals
ADA guide for small business
How to file a Title III Complaint
ADA Designated Investigative Agencies