Regulations
DOJ is responsible for issuing regulations under Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that explain the rights of people with disabilities and the obligations of those covered by the laws.
Law, Regulations, & Standards
Read this document to understand your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA.
- For a beginner-level introduction to a topic, view Topics
- For more detailed information on a topic, view Guidance & Resource materials
What are regulations?
A regulation (also called a “rule”) is a set of requirements issued by a federal agency to implement laws passed by Congress. When Congress passes laws, many details are often left to federal agencies to flesh out in regulations. For example, when Congress passed the ADA, it gave DOJ the authority to issue regulations that explain the rights and obligations under Titles II and III of the ADA.
Title II Regulations
The ADA is meant to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of civic life. Under Title II, all state/local governments must follow the ADA regardless of their size.
The Title II Regulations explains the rights of people with disabilities and the obligations of state and local governments. Read Title II Regulations to understand your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA.
The text on this page does not include a final rule that the Attorney General signed on April 8, 2024. We will update this page by the time the new rule is effective. Learn more about the new requirements..
4.2MB, 279 Pages
Title III Regulations
The ADA is meant to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. Under Title III, almost all types of businesses that serve the public, regardless of their size or the age of their buildings, must follow the ADA.
The Title III Regulations explains the rights of people with disabilities and the obligations of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and commercial facilities. Read Title III Regulations to understand your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA.
4.2MB, 279 Pages
Proposed Changes to Our Regulations
In the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda, DOJ announced that it plans to issue new ADA regulations on the following topics:
- Medical Diagnostic Equipment
- Title II Web Accessibility
- The Public Right of Way
- Equipment and Furniture
What is the Unified Agenda?
The Unified Agenda provides information about federal agencies’ regulatory priorities and the specific regulations that they plan to issue in the short and long term.