The Americans with Disabilities ActThe 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.
To meet the goals of the ADA, the law established requirements for businesses of all sizes. These requirements went into effect on January 26, 1992. Businesses that serve the public must modify policies and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities; comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities; remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable; and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to ensure effective communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech impairments. All businesses, even those that do not serve the public, must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities.
Introduction to the ADA
Talk to an ADA Specialist
(800) 514-0301 voice | (800) 514-0383 TTY
ADA Publications for Businesses
ADA Business Briefs
ADA Business Brief:
Communicating with People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital SettingsPDF screen version - Communicating in Hospital Settings (148k)
PDF print version - Communicating in Hospital Settings (1100k)HTML version - Communicating in Hospital Settings
ADA Business Brief:
Communicating with Guests Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hotels, Motels, and Other Places of Transient LodgingPDF screen version - Communicating in Transient Lodging (88k)
PDF print version - Communicating in Transient Lodging (672k)ADA Business Brief: Assistance at Gas Stations (PDF) screen version (124k)
Assistance at Gas Stations (PDF) print version (676k)ADA Business Brief: Service Animals (PDF) screen version
Service Animals (PDF) print versionADA Business Brief:
ADATA : Readily Achievable Barrier Removal and Van-Accessible Parking (PDF) | Readily Achievable Barrier Removal and Van-Accessible Parking (HTML)
Readily Achievable Checklist for Existing Business Facilities
ADA Guide for Small Businesses (PDF) | ADA Guide for Small Businesses (HTML)
ADA Questions and Answers
This Month's ADA Featured Publication - ADA Tax Incentives Packet for Businesses
This collection of information presents an overview of the ADA tax credits and deductions for businesses. It includes IRS Form 8826 for the Disabled Access Credit, a Fact Sheet on the tax incentives for improving accessibility, ADA publications list and a letter from Attorney General Ashcroft.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Enforceable standards issued by the Department of Justice for new construction, alterations, renovations, and additions to businesses.
ADA Regulations for Businesses
(title III) - Department of Justice requirements for businesses and non-profit service providers
Information about the ADA and Employment
Learn More about the ADA
Department of Justice ADA Publications
The President's New Freedom Initiative Announcement
Remarks by the President on the New Freedom InitiativeSmall Business Administration Home Page
ADA Home Page
Disability Rights Section Home Page
Civil Rights Division Home Page
Privacy Policy
last update December 18, 2003