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Articles

  • The ADA and Public Places
    Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a lot to say about businesses that are open to the public.
  • Public Places Overview
    Title III of the ADA discusses public accommodations. This article gives an overview of ADA-related goals and rules for public accommodations, and it links to longer articles that provide more depth o...
  • The ADA and Service Animal Handlers
    What should a service animal handler know about rights and responsibilities when they go into the community with the animal?
  • What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
    The ADA defines disability and has five titles (sections) that forbid a wide range of discrimination.
  • The ADA and Title II Public Entities
    The ADA ensures access by people with disabilities to buildings, facilities, programs, services, and activities offered by state and local governments.

Fact Sheets

  • Places of Lodging (PDF)
  • Beach Access Routes (PDF)
    What makes a public beach accessible? View photos and get an overview of important standards and best practices in this fact sheet from the Northeast ADA Center.

Ask About the ADA

  • Is a service animal in training afforded the same rights as a fully trained service animal?
    Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal in training is not recognized as a service animal and therefore would not be given the same rights to access places of public accommod...
  • What is the ADA?
    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including j...
  • Beach Access
    Q: I heard that the ADA applies to public beaches, but I don’t see requirements in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design about how to provide access over the sand. Am I missing something?...
  • Can I call the ADA?
    The ADA is not an agency, organization or a service provider. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including j...
  • My College Club Is Inaccessible
    Q: A club at my college is on a second floor with no elevator. We offered the club a space that was accessible. They stated that it was not required as they are not a public entity. Is this true? A:...

Infographics

ADA Checklist: Places of Public Accommodation

Infographic titled 'ADA Checklist: Places of Public Accommodation' featuring a graphic of a supermarket storefront and a bulleted list. Are the entrance and approach to the entrance accessible? Can visitors get to the goods or products offered in an accessible manner? Are toilet rooms accessible? Visit www.adachecklist.org to learn more. If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Because of the ADA

Infographic titled 'Because of the ADA.' The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including access to jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places that are open to the general public. The law is divided into five titles (or areas) where the various protections for people with disabilities are spelled out. The goal of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Here are just a few of the positive effects that can be observed today, all because of the ADA. Are you going out into the community? You can park in an accessible parking space. You can take an accessible bus. You can easily enter stores because of a curb ramp and doors that are accessible. You can navigate through stores along a clear path of travel. Signage at areas like bathrooms is clear and concise with raised characters and Braille. Drinking fountains are accessible. The checkout counter and service counters you encounter are lower and more accessible. You can bring your service animal with you. Are you going to the movies? theaters offer assisted listening devices to help you hear better. Are you making a phone call? You can use a relay service to assist you with communication. Are you going to a concert or sporting event? You have access to wheelchair accessible seats alongside your friends and family. Are you going to work? You can request a change in how things are typically done from your employer, called a reasonable accommodation, to assist you with work tasks. Are you going to vote or to a town meeting? Your polling place and municipal programs, offices and meetings must be accessible to you. Are you going to the Doctor? You can request an interpreter to communicate more efficiently. You can request medical information in a manner that works for you. Nearly 37 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today's 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. (ADA National Network, ADA Anniversary Toolkit) 'This Act is powerful in its simplicity. it will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream.' -President George H.W. Bush, ADA Signing Ceremony, July 26, 1990 Share on Facebook

Access to Public Services

Access to Public Services Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to public entities and their programs, services, and activities. The ADA defines a public entity as: - Any state or local government - Any department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a state or states or local government - The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and any commuter authority What are some examples? - Town libraries - City police departments - County government offices - Public schools and universities - City subways Share on Facebook

"But I'm Grandfathered in..." "...Not so fast!"

Infographic titled 'But I'm Grandathered in... ...Not so fast!' featuring a graphic of a cafe on a city street. The ADA requires places of public accommodation to remove barriers to access when it is readily achievable to do so, even if construction predates the passage of the ADA. Visit www.adachecklist.org to learn more If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

What is a public accommodation?

What is a public accommodation? A place of public accommodation is an establishment open to the public where commerce occurs, like a hotel, store, or café under Title III of the ADA. Share on Facebook

Title II: What is a Public Entity?

'Title II: What Is a Public Entity?' Title II of the ADA applies to 'Public Entities.' These include: any state or local government, departments and agencies of state or local government, and commuter rail authorities and AMTRAK. If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232. Share on Facebook

Blog Posts

Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    July 27, 2022
    Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
  • Service Animal Scenarios
    March 27, 2019
    Chris Sweet, Northeast ADA Technical Assistance and Outreach Specialist, will present Service Animal Scenarios. Service animals often appear in popular media as a topic of contention as airlines, sto...
  • Is That a Service Animal: What Rights Apply Where
    January 24, 2018
    The Northeast ADA Center is often asked about service animals. It can be confusing for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit providers, and landlords to know what rights a person with a d...
  • Accessible Beach Access Routes
    June 28, 2017
     It’s that time of year that many of us take advantage of the summer weather and “head to the shore” for some R&R. This webinar will review the scoping and technical require...
  • Overview of the Proposed Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines
    April 13, 2016
    This webinar will review the U.S. Access Board’s proposed guidelines that address conditions and constraints that are unique to public rights-of-way, including pedestrian access to sidewalks and...

News