The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
and the ADA

What You Need To Know

As part of the economic stimulus package, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Funds are being distributed by Federal agencies to States and communities throughout the country to build, repair, and upgrade a wide range of facilities, systems, and programs.

The Department of Justice wants to take this opportunity to remind State and local government officials, business owners, and building professionals of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Generally, agencies or companies that build new facilities or alter existing facilities must comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The ADA also requires that all State and local government programs and services and all goods and services offered to the public by businesses be accessible to people with disabilities.

We at the Department of Justice can help you understand your responsibilities. If you have a question about what you are required to do, you can call our toll-free ADA Information Line. All government and business callers will be able to speak confidentially to an ADA Specialist during normal business hours to discuss how the ADA applies to their specific situations and get answers to any ADA questions they might have. If you want to read or download the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, you can go to our ADA Website, where the Standards and a wealth of other ADA information are available to you, day or night. You can also contact sources in your area by calling the toll-free number of the National Network of ADA Centers.