Getting To Know The American Disability Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities, such as buying an item at the store, going to the movies, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, exercising at the health club, or having the car serviced at a local garage.

An Overview of ADA Requirements for Businesses

Modify Policies and Practices:

  • Adjust policies or procedures that discriminate against individuals with disabilities.
  • Example: Allowing service animals in spaces where pets are typically not permitted.

Comply with Accessible Design Standards

  • Ensure that new construction and facility alterations meet ADA accessibility standards.
  • Create environments that are accessible to individuals with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

Provide Auxiliary Aids and Services:

  • Offer tools or services necessary to ensure effective communication for individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or speech impairments.
  • Examples: Sign language interpreters, closed captioning, text-to-speech devices, or Braille materials.

Ensuring Communication Access in Key Settings

The ADA requires that accommodations be provided to ensure effective communication in various settings, including:

Legal Services:

Courts, legal offices, and related services must provide interpreters or other communication tools for individuals with disabilities.

Healthcare Settings

Hospitals, clinics, and medical practices must ensure access for all, such as providing interpreters for patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Educational Institutions

Schools and colleges must offer accommodations like sign language interpreters or assistive technologies to support accessible learning.

Employment

Employers must create a work environment that supports employees with disabilities.

Public and Private Services

Both government and private businesses must provide accessible services.

For individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, having a qualified interpreter is often the most effective way to ensure full communication access.