ADA

Topics

Featured topics are high-level, plain-language explanations of the existing information that the Department has made available about the law.

Learn more about Topics

Featured topics are intended for an audience of people who are not legal experts. We expect that these overviews will answer 80 percent of common questions about a particular topic. They are designed to be easy to scan and navigate. They have clear headings and links that help users skip to a particular section. The overviews are also designed to be easy to understand. They use icons to help explain definitions and they provide clear examples.

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  • Businesses That Are Open to the Public
  • Community Integration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Effective Communication
  • Emergency Planning
  • Equal Access to Child Care
  • Introduction to the ADA
  • Businesses That Are Open to the Public
  • Community Integration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Effective Communication
  • Emergency Planning
  • Equal Access to Child Care
  • Introduction to the ADA

Featured Topics

These topics are the most frequently visited areas of our site. Start here to learn about the most commonly-searched topics of the ADA.

Introduction to the ADA

How the ADA is structured, and how it protects the rights of people with disabilities.

Service Animals

The definition of a service animal, where they can go, and how they assist people with disabilities.

Parking

Find out how the ADA requires businesses, non-profits, and state/local governments to provide accessible parking spaces.

Effective Communication

People with certain disabilities might communicate in different ways.

All Topics

These topics are mentioned throughout the ADA. We’ve compiled overviews of these information areas to help you navigate the ADA as it relates to your field of interest.

Introduction to the ADA

How the ADA is structured, and how it protects the rights of people with disabilities.

Service Animals

The definition of a service animal, where they can go, and how they assist people with disabilities.

Parking

Find out how the ADA requires businesses, non-profits, and state/local governments to provide accessible parking spaces.

Effective Communication

People with certain disabilities might communicate in different ways.

Businesses That Are Open to the Public

If you are a business or a person with a disability, there are many aspects of the ADA that you […]

Community Integration

The ADA bans the unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities in a regulation called “the integration mandate.” State and local […]

Criminal Justice

The ADA requires state and local governments including their criminal justice agencies to comply with the ADA. If you are […]

Emergency Planning

State and local governments must ensure their emergency planning and management programs are accessible for persons with disabilities.

Equal Access to Child Care

The ADA requires child care centers to comply with the ADA. A child with a disability must never be turned […]

Mobility Devices

Find out how the ADA supports those who use walkers, wheelchairs, and other power-driven devices to get around.

Opioid Use Disorder

Find out the ADA’s protections for people with Opioid Use Disorder.

Parental Rights

Parents and prospective parents with disabilities are entitled to equal treatment and equal access to parenting opportunities.

State and Local Governments

If you are part of a state/local government program or a person with a disability, there are many aspects of […]

Telehealth

The ADA prohibits healthcare providers from discriminating on the basis of disability. This is true when health care is provided […]

Voting and Polling Places

The ADA requires state and local governments and their election officials to ensure that people with disabilities have a full […]