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Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Guide for Small Businesses |
Government-wide disability information
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT IS THE ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives federal
civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar
to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color,
sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal
opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public
accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local
government services, and telecommunications.
ADA GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. This 15-page illustrated guide
presents an overview of some basic ADA requirements for small businesses
that provide goods and services to the public. It provides guidance on how
to make their services accessible and how tax credits and deductions may be
used to offset specific costs.
SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT:
In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and strengthened provisions covering access to information in the Federal sector for people with disabilities. As amended, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires access to the Federal government's electronic and information technology. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Federal agencies must ensure that this technology is accessible to employees and the public, including persons with disabilities. The law directs the Access Board to develop access standards that will become part of the Federal procurement regulations. See more on the Federal IT Accessibility Initiative web site at http://www.section508.gov.
SECTION 508 STANDARDS have been issued.
OTHER KEY ADA DOCUMENTS:
How to File Complaints: Complaints about violations of title I (employment) by units of State and local government or by private employers should be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Call 800-669-4000 (voice) or 800-669-6820 (TDD) to reach the field office in your area.
Complaints about violations of title II by units of State and local government or violations of title III by public accommodations and commercial facilities (private businesses and non-profit service providers) should be filed with the Department of Justice. Please send complaints to:
Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Post Office Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035-6738
ADA Information Services. A
list with the telephone numbers and Internet addresses of Federal
agencies and other organizations that provide information and
technical assistance to the public about the ADA.
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 amended Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Questions and Answers
Free Department of Justice ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials
Public Law 101-336. Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Public Law 336 of the 101st Congress, enacted July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.
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