ADA Rights and How to Use Them

The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations at work, in public services, and in businesses. This page shows you how to ask for what you need and what to do if you are told no.

ADA Essentials

Employment Title I

Covers workplace rights for people with disabilities at employers with 15 or more employees. Requires reasonable accommodations and bans discrimination and retaliation.
Use this for schedule changes, modified duties, assistive tech, quiet space, job coaching, or leave as an accommodation.

Government services and transportation Title II

Covers state and local governments, public programs, courts, and public transit. Requires access, effective communication, and reasonable policy changes.
Use this for city services, court appearances, DMV processes, paratransit, and accessible public meetings.

Public businesses Title III

Covers private businesses open to the public. Requires barrier removal when feasible and effective communication. Service animals must be allowed.
Use this for clinics, banks, hotels, gyms, shops, websites, and event spaces.

Education and housing

K to 12 services are under IDEA and Section 504. Colleges are covered by ADA and Section 504. Most housing rights are under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504.
Use this for IEPs, 504 plans, college disability offices, and housing accommodations like parking, assistance animals, or unit modifications.

Telecommunications and digital access Title IV and WCAG

Covers relay services, captioning, and communication access. ADA requires effective communication. WCAG is the common web standard for accessibility.
Use this for captioned calls, interpreters, alternative formats, and accessible websites or forms.

How to request an accommodation

Identify the task affected by disability. Ask for a specific solution that is effective. Share only the documentation needed to show the functional impact. Work in good faith on alternatives.
Use this template. I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under disability law. My disability affects my ability to [task]. I am requesting [solution] so I can [outcome]. I am available to discuss effective options.

If your request is denied

Ask for the reason in writing. Offer an alternative that still works. Use the employer or agency review process. File a complaint with the correct authority if needed.
Use this for EEOC claims, DOJ complaints, school grievances, or transit appeals.

Veteran lens

Explains where ADA, VA policy, and employer rules intersect. Focuses on documenting functional impact, not just a VA rating. Aligns with VR and employment programs.
Use this for job accommodations, school adjustments on GI Bill schedules, and coordination during PCS moves or provider changes.

Talk to a navigator

NH4L navigators coach you through requests, join key meetings when appropriate, and track follow through until the plan works.
Use this when you need a guide, not just a guidebook.

Downloads and tools

Plain language letters, checklists, and trackers you can customize.
Use this for workplace requests, school 504 letters, event accessibility checklists, and accommodation follow up logs.

What's on ADA.gov

From answers to common questions to official legal documents, ADA.gov has everything you need to understand your rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

Contact Information

ADA Information Line
Talk to us at 800-514-0301 | 1-833-610-1264 (TTY)
Monday-Friday

Community Outreach Coordinator
Disability.Outreach@usdoj.gov