Barriers to employment, transportation, public accommodations, public services, and telecommunications have imposed staggering economic and social costs on American society and have undermined our well-intentioned efforts to educate, rehabilitate, and employ individuals with disabilities. By breaking down these barriers, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will enable society to benefit from the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities, will allow us all to gain from their increased purchasing power and ability to use it, and will lead to fuller, more productive lives for all Americans.

The Americans with Disabilities Act gives 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.

Fair, swift, and effective enforcement of this landmark civil rights legislation is a high priority of the Federal Government. This booklet is designed to provide answers to some of the most often asked questions about the ADA.

Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Answers

Other helpful links:

ADA UPDATE: AN ILLUSTRATED PRIMER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES (including information regarding communication and physical barrier removal)

ADA Information for Law Enforcement

Access to Medical Care for Persons with Mobility Disabilities

Revised ADA information regarding Service Animals (3/11)

How to file a Title III complaint

Answers to additional questions, call the ADA Information Line
800-514-0301 (voice)
800-514-0383 (TTY)