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ADA Obligations and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Disability accessibility is sometimes included in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, with some references adding an “A” to create DEIA. However, accessibility is distinct and has long been a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other disability laws.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. To prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, the ADA sets out requirements that apply to many of the situations you encounter in everyday life. Employers, state and local governments, businesses that are open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies all must follow the requirements of the ADA.

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities, contact the ADA Information Line for assistance.

Where can I file an ADA complaint?

There are two options for filing an ADA complaint:

Online: File a complaint by submitting a report on the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division website.
Mail: Fill out and send the paper ADA Complaint Form (Regular Format | Large Format) or a letter containing the same information, to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

I have some general questions about ADA. Where can I get more information?

The Department of Justice operates a toll-free ADA Information Line to provide information and materials to the public about the requirements of the ADA.

ADA Specialists, who assist callers in understanding how the ADA applies to their situation, are available Monday through Friday.

All calls are confidential. You can get answers to technical questions, obtain general ADA information, order free ADA materials, or ask about filing a complaint, please call:

800-514-0301 (voice)
833-610-1264 (TTY)

Where can I find more information about service animals?

The following technical assistance documents provide information about service animals:

I have questions about the new rule on the ‘Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps’ provided by state and local governments. Where can I find resources and summaries of the final rule?

The Department published in the Federal Register a final rule updating the regulation implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to add more specific requirements about web and mobile application (app) accessibility. The rule adopts a technical standard that state and local government entities will generally need to follow to meet their obligations under Title II of the ADA for web and mobile app accessibility.

Below are some key documents:

Fact Sheet: This document provides a high-level summary of the rule. It is designed to provide an overview of the rule’s main requirements for state and local governments.
Small Entity Compliance Guide: The Department issued a guide to assist small entities in complying with the rule.
Planning for Compliance: This resource includes suggested steps that ADA Coordinators and others may want to take to prepare their state or local governments to comply with the rule.
Final Rule: This document provides the text of the rule and explains its requirements. If you need the final rule document or any other information in an alternative format, you can call the ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY). The official version of the rule is published in the Federal Register.
Press Release: The Department issued a press release when the Attorney General signed the final rule.
Benefit-Cost Analysis: This is an analysis of the benefits and costs of the rule, also called the Regulatory Impact Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis.

I have questions about the new rule on the ‘Accessibility of Medical Diagnostic Equipment’ used by state and local governments. Where can I find resources and summaries of the final rule?

The Department of Justice published a final rule updating the regulation for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to add more specific requirements about the accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment (MDE). The rule adopts a technical standard for accessible MDE and clarifies how state and local governments that use MDE can meet their obligations under Title II of the ADA.

Below are some key documents:

Fact Sheet: This document provides a high-level summary of the rule. It is designed to provide an overview of the rule’s main requirements for state and local governments.
Final Rule: This document provides the text of the rule and explains its requirements. If you need the final rule document or any other information in an alternative format, you can call the ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY). The official version of the rule is published in the Federal Register.
Benefit-Cost Analysis: This is an analysis of the benefits and costs of the rule, also called the Final Regulatory Impact Analysis (FRIA)
Press Release: The Department issued a press release when the Attorney General signed the final rule.

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Resources for New Construction and Alterations

When state/local governments and businesses build or alter buildings or other facilities, they must make them accessible to people with disabilities. To make them accessible, state/local governments and businesses need to follow the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The information below is intended to help get you started.