Title II: Resources for State & Local Governments and People with DisabilitiesNOTICE: The complete inventory of our ADA technical assistance will be moving to the new ADA.gov Guidance and Resource Materials page. In the meantime, you can access all our current ADA technical assistance materials at our former Technical Assistance Materials pages.
Title II Technical Assistance: Resources for State & Local Governments and People with Disabilities
General · Child Care Centers · Curb Ramps · Education · Effective Communication · Eligibility Criteria · Emergency Management · Employment · Health Care · HIV/AIDS · Law Enforcement · Olmstead · OPDMDs · Parental Rights · Physical Access · Polling Places · Pools · Service Animals · Testing Accommodations · Ticket Sales · Web Access
General
Guidance on When "Long COVID" May Be a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557
This guidance explains that long COVID can be a disability under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This guidance also provides resources for additional information and best practices. (2021)
Questions and Answers about the Department of Justice's Final Rule Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
This 10-question Q & A is intended to give readers a broad overview of the changes in the ADA regulations resulting from the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. (2016)
ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | PDF
An illustrated guide to help State and local government officials understand the requirements of the 2010 ADA regulations. (2015)
ADA Requirements: Effective Date and Compliance Date | PDF
This publication describes the effective date and several different "compliance dates," dates by which entities covered by the ADA were required to comply with the revised provisions of the Department's rules. (2011)
ADA: Know Your Rights — Returning Service Members with Disabilities | PDF | En Español
This 28-page booklet is designed to provide military service members who have been seriously wounded while serving a basic understanding of their rights under the ADA and where to turn for additional information and assistance. (2010)
Fact Sheet: Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice's Regulation Implementing Title II of the ADA
This one-page document summarizes some of the changes of the revised Title II regulations. (2011)
Fact Sheet: Adoption of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
This one-page document summarizes some of the changes of the revised ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (2010)
ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments
This tool kit is designed to teach State and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to State and local government programs, services, and activities. (2007)
Cities and Counties: First Steps Toward Solving Common ADA Problems
This document describes common ADA problems that state and local governments face and offers some suggestions for how to solve those problems. (2004)
The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems
A nine-page document that contains a sampling of common problems shared by city governments of all sizes, provides examples of common deficiencies and explains how these problems affect persons with disabilities. (2000)
ADA Guide for Small Towns | PDF
A 21-page guide that presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements and provides cost-effective tips on how small towns can better comply with the ADA. (2000)
Title II Technical Assistance Manual | Supplement
A 56-page manual that explains in lay terms what State and local governments must do to ensure that their services, programs, and activities are provided to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. (1993, 1994)
Child Care Centers
Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act | En Español
This publication explains how the requirements of the ADA apply to child care centers. (1997)
Curb Ramps
Questions and Answers: Supplement to the 2013 DOJ/DOT Joint Technical Assistance on the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements To Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing
This document responds to frequently asked questions that the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) has received since publication of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Joint Technical Assistance — ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing. (2015)
Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Joint Technical Assistance — ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing | PDF
This one-page document outlines the Title II requirements with regard to curb ramps when streets, roads, or highways are altered. (2013)
Glossary of Terms for DOJ/DOT Joint Technical Assistance on the ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps When Streets Roads or Highways are Altered Through Resurfacing | PDF
Education
ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations | PDF
This document provides technical assistance on testing accommodations for individuals with disabilities who take standardized exams and other high-stakes tests. (2015)
Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools | PDF
This 30-page document, issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education, explains public schools' responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to meet the communication needs of students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. (2014)
Fact Sheet | PDF | En Español
Letter to Health-Related Schools Regarding Hepatitis B Discrimination
A joint letter from the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education, providing an update on the CDC’s recommendations regarding the participation of students with hepatitis B in medical, dental, nursing, and other health-related programs. (2013)
Joint "Dear Colleague" Letter: Electronic Book Readers
A joint letter from the Department of Justice and the Department of Education explaining that schools may not require the use of an emerging technology when it is inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. (2010)
Effective Communication
ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | PDF
An illustrated guide to help State and local government officials understand the requirements of the 2010 ADA regulations. (2015)
ADA Requirements: Effective Communication | PDF
This seven-page publication provides guidance on the Department’s 2010 regulations relating to communicating effectively with people who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities. (2014)
Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools | PDF
This 30-page document, issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education, explains public schools' responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to meet the communication needs of students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. (2014)
Fact Sheet | PDF | En Español
ADA: Know Your Rights — Returning Service Members with Disabilities | PDF | En Español
This 28-page booklet is designed to provide military service members who have been seriously wounded while serving a basic understanding of their rights under the ADA and where to turn for additional information and assistance. (2010)
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers
This eight-panel pocket guide provides basic information for officers about ADA requirements for communicating effectively with people who are deaf or hard of hearing under the ADA. (2006)
Model Policy for Law Enforcement on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing | PDF
This four-page document serves as a model for law enforcement agencies when adopting a policy on effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Agencies are encouraged to download and adapt the policy to suit their needs. (2006)
Access for 9-1-1 and Telephone Emergency Services | PDF | En Español
A 10-page publication explaining the requirements for direct, equal access to 9-1-1 for persons who use teletypewriters (TTYs). (1998)
Title II Technical Assistance Manual | Supplement
A 56-page manual that explains in lay terms what State and local governments must do to ensure that their services, programs, and activities are provided to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. (1993, 1994)
Eligibility Criteria
Guidance to Health-Related Schools Regarding Hepatitis B Discrimination
A joint letter from the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education, providing an update on the CDC’s recommendations regarding the participation of students with hepatitis B in medical, dental, nursing, and other health-related programs. (2013)
Letters to States Regarding Illegal Exclusion of Individuals with HIV/AIDS from Occupational Training and State Licensing
A template of a letter for State Attorneys General regarding the illegal exclusion of people with HIV/AIDS from occupational training and State licensing. (2011)
Questions and Answers: The ADA and the Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS to Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing
A two-page document addressing questions about how the requirements of the ADA apply to the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS in occupational training and State licensing. (2009)
Title II Technical Assistance Manual | Supplement
A 56-page manual that explains in lay terms what State and local governments must do to ensure that their services, programs, and activities are provided to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. (1993, 1994)
Emergency Management
ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments: Chapter 7 Emergency Management
This document covers how to make emergency management programs, services, and activities accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. (2007)
Emergency Management under Title II of the ADA | PDF
Addendum 1: Title II Checklist (Emergency Management) | PDF
Addendum 2:The ADA and Emergency Shelters: Access for All in Emergencies and Disasters | PDF
An ADA Guide for Local Governments: Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities | PDF
A 11-page illustrated publication that provides guidance on preparing for and carrying out emergency response programs in a manner that results in the services being accessible to people with disabilities. (2006)
Access for 9-1-1 and Telephone Emergency Services | PDF | En Español
A 10-page publication explaining the requirements for direct, equal access to 9-1-1 for persons who use teletypewriters (TTYs). (1998)
Employment
Guidance on Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Disability Discrimination in Hiring
Technical Assistance
A 6-page publication explaining disability discrimination concerns when employers use algorithms, artificial intelligence, and other technological tools to make employment decisions. This publication provides a broad overview of rights and responsibilities in plain language, making it easily accessible to people without a legal or technical background. (2022)
Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS | En Español
A 14-page publication explaining the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the requirements of the ADA for employers, businesses and non profit agencies that serve the public, and State and local governments to avoid discriminating against persons with HIV/AIDS. (2016)
ADA: Know Your Rights — Returning Service Members with Disabilities | PDF | En Español
This 28-page booklet is designed to provide military service members who have been seriously wounded while serving a basic understanding of their rights under the ADA and where to turn for additional information and assistance. (2010)
Video: "Ten Employment Myths"
Many employers misunderstand the Americans with Disabilities Act and are reluctant to hire people with disabilities because of unfounded myths. This seventeen-minute video responds to concerns expressed by employers, explaining the ADA in common sense terms and dispelling myths about this often overlooked pool of well-qualified employees. (2009)
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment | PDF | En Español
A two-page pamphlet for people with disabilities providing a general explanation of the employment provisions of the ADA and how to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2000)
Questions and Answers: The ADA and Hiring Police Officers
A five-page publication providing information on ADA requirements for interviewing and hiring police officers. (1997)
Title II Technical Assistance Manual | Supplement
A 56-page manual that explains in lay terms what State and local governments must do to help ensure that their services, programs, and activities are provided to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. (1993, 1994)
Health Care
Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities
This technical assistance publication provides guidance for medical care providers on the requirements of the ADA in medical settings with respect to people with mobility disabilities, which include, for example, those who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, or no mobility devices at all. (2010)
HIV/AIDS
Protecting the Rights of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS | PDF | En Español
A trifold pamphlet explaining the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the requirements of the ADA for employers, businesses and nonprofit agencies that serve the public, and State and local governments to avoid discriminating against persons with HIV/AIDS. (2016)
Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS | En Español
A 14-page publication explaining the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the requirements of the ADA for employers, businesses and non profit agencies that serve the public, and State and local governments to avoid discriminating against persons with HIV/AIDS. (2016)
Letters to States Regarding Illegal Exclusion of Individuals with HIV/AIDS from Occupational Training and State Licensing
A template of a letter for State Attorneys General regarding the illegal exclusion of people with HIV/AIDS from occupational training and State licensing. (2011)
Questions and Answers: The ADA and the Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS to Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing
A two-page document addressing questions about how the requirements of the ADA apply to the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS in occupational training and state licensing. (2009)
Law Enforcement
Examples and Resources to Support Criminal Justice Entities in Compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act | PDF
This document provides guidance to facilitate criminal justice entities’ compliance with the ADA in their interactions with individuals with mental health disabilities or intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). (2017)
Commonly Asked Questions About the ADA and Law Enforcement
A 12-page publication providing information for law enforcement agencies in a simple question and answer format. (2006)
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers
This eight-panel pocket guide provides basic information for officers about ADA requirements for communicating effectively with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. (2006)
Guide for Law Enforcement Officers When In Contact With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
A two-page document providing guidance to law enforcement officers on how to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. (2006)
Model Policy for Law Enforcement on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing | PDF
This four-page document serves as a model for law enforcement agencies when adopting a policy on effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Agencies are encouraged to download and adapt the policy to suit their needs. (2006)
Video: "Police Response to People with Disabilities," Eight-Part Series
Designed for use in roll-call training, this videotape addresses law enforcement situations involving people who have mobility disabilities, mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy or seizure disorders, speech disabilities, deafness or hearing loss, and blindness or low vision. The eight segments range from 5 ½ to 10 ½ minutes in length. (2006)
ADA/Section 504 Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correction Facilities
A five-page publication providing guidance on preventing discrimination against inmates with mobility disabilities through the design of accessible cells in State and local correctional facilities. (2004)
Questions and Answers: The ADA and Hiring Police Officers
A five-page publication providing information on ADA requirements for interviewing and hiring police officers. (1997)
Olmstead
Dear Colleague Letter Regarding States’ Olmstead Obligations When Implementing the New Fair Labor Standards Act Rule Regarding Home Care Workers | PDF
A joint letter from the Civil Rights Division and the HHS Office of Civil Rights considering States’ obligations under Title II of the ADA to avoid the risk of institutionalization of people with disabilities with the rights of home health care workers under the new Fair Labor Standards Act regulations. (2014)
Statement of the Department of Justice on Enforcement of the Integration Mandate of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead v. L.C.
A document providing guidance on Title II’s requirement that public entities administer their services, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of people with disabilities. (2011)
OPDMDs
ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | PDF
An illustrated guide to help State and local government officials understand the requirements of the 2010 ADA regulations. (2015)
ADA Requirements: Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) | PDF
This six-page document provides guidance on the Department’s 2010 regulations regarding the use of wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as other types of less-traditional powered mobility devices. (2014)
Parental Rights
Protecting the Rights of Parents and Prospective Parents with Disabilities | PDF
Jointly issued technical assistance from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights and Administration for Children and Families to help child welfare agencies and family courts understand their obligations under Federal law to ensure that parents and prospective parents with disabilities receive equal treatment and equal access to parenting opportunities. This technical assistance also includes a cover letter (PDF) to stakeholders. (2015)
Physical Access
ADA Checklist for Polling Places | PDF
This 25-page document is an updated technical assistance publication on polling place accessibility for voters with disabilities. The publication includes information about key areas of a facility that must be accessible to voters with mobility or vision disabilities, options for low-cost temporary measures for removing barriers, and a survey to guide election officials in evaluating the accessibility of facilities used or being considered for use as polling places. (2016)
ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments | PDF
An illustrated guide to help State and local government officials understand the requirements of the 2010 ADA regulations. (2015)
ADA Compliance Brief: Restriping Parking Spaces | PDF
This four-page document provides guidance on requirements for accessible parking spaces when parking facilities are restriped. (2015)
Questions and Answers: Supplement to the 2013 DOJ/DOT Joint Technical Assistance on the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements To Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing
This document responds to frequently asked questions that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has received since publication of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Joint Technical Assistance — ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing. (2015)
Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Joint Technical Assistance — ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing | PDF
This one-page document outlines the Title II requirements with regard to curb ramps when streets, roads, or highways are altered. (2013)
Glossary of Terms for DOJ/DOT Joint Technical Assistance on the ADA Title II Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps When Streets Roads or Highways are Altered Through Resurfacing | PDF (2013)
Solutions for Five Common ADA Access Problems at Polling Places | PDF
This 7-page document discusses physical barriers to access to voters with disabilities in five commonly found areas at polling places and offers solutions for addressing them. (2014)
ADA Requirements: Accessible Pools — Means of Entry and Exit | PDF
This publication is designed to help Title II and Title III entities understand how requirements for swimming pools, especially existing pools, apply to them. (2012)
ADA Requirements: Ticket Sales | PDF
This publication provides guidance on the Department's nondiscrimination requirements that apply to selling tickets for assigned seats at events such as concerts, plays, and sporting events. (2011)
ADA: Know Your Rights — Returning Service Members with Disabilities | PDF | En Español
This 28-page booklet is designed to provide military service members who have been seriously wounded while serving a basic understanding of their rights under the ADA and where to turn for additional information and assistance. (2010)
Fact Sheet: Adoption of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
This one page document summarizes some of the changes to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (2010)
Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities
This technical assistance publication provides guidance for medical care providers on the requirements of the ADA in medical settings with respect to people with mobility disabilities, which include, for example, those who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, or no mobility devices at all. (2010)
ADA/Section 504 Design Guide: Accessible Cells in Correction Facilities
A five-page publication providing guidance on preventing discrimination against inmates with mobility disabilities through the design of accessible cells in State and local correctional facilities. (2004)
Polling Places
Ballot Drop Box Accessibility
This six page document is a technical assistance publication on the accessibility of ballot drop boxes for voters with disabilities. The publication includes a survey to guide election officials in evaluating the accessibility of ballot drop boxes used or being considered for use in elections and is a companion piece to the ADA Checklist for Polling Places. (2022)
ADA Checklist for Polling Places | PDF
This 25-page document is an updated technical assistance publication on polling place accessibility for voters with disabilities. The publication includes information about key areas of a facility that must be accessible to voters with mobility or vision disabilities, options for low-cost temporary measures for removing barriers, and a survey to guide election officials in evaluating the accessibility of facilities used or being considered for use as polling places. (2016)
Solutions for Five Common ADA Access Problems at Polling Places | PDF
This seven page document discusses physical barriers to access to voters with disabilities in five commonly found areas at polling places and offers solutions for addressing them. (2014)
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities | PDF
This seven page document provides guidance about how the ADA and other Federal laws protect the rights of voters with disabilities. (2014)
Pools
ADA Requirements: Accessible Pools — Means of Entry and Exit | PDF
This publication is designed to help Title II and Title III entities understand how requirements for swimming pools, especially existing pools, apply to them. (2012)
Questions and Answers: Accessibility Requirements for Existing Swimming Pools at Hotels and Other Public Accommodations | PDF
This document provides answers to some common questions regarding the ADA requirements published in 2010 and explains how the requirements for swimming pools apply to public accommodations with existing pools. (2012)
Questions and Answers: Accessibility Requirements for Existing Swimming Pools at Hotels and Other Public Accommodations | PDF
This document provides answers to some common questions regarding the ADA requirements published in 2010 and explains how the requirements for swimming pools apply to public accommodations with existing pools. (2012)
Service Animals
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA (PDF) | En Español | Chinese | Tagalog
This eight-page document provides guidance and answers questions about the ADA’s service animal provisions. (2015)
ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments (PDF)
An illustrated guide to help State and local government officials understand the requirements of the 2010 ADA regulations. (2015)
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s regulations. (2011)
Testing Accommodations
ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations | PDF
This document provides technical assistance on testing accommodations for individuals with disabilities who take standardized exams and other high-stakes tests. (2015)
Ticket Sales
ADA Requirements: Ticket Sales
This publication provides guidance on the Department's nondiscrimination requirements that apply to selling tickets for assigned seats at events such as concerts, plays, and sporting events. (2011)
Web Access
Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
The Department of Justice published guidance on web accessibility. It explains how state and local governments (entities covered by ADA Title II) and businesses open to the public (entities covered by ADA Title III) can make sure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities in line with the ADA’s requirements. (2022)
Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities | PDF
A five-page publication providing guidance on making State and local government websites accessible. (2003)