The Americans With Disabilities Act

ADA Title I

Equal Employment opportunities for those with disabilities

ADA: Title II

Non discrimination on the basis of disability for services on state and local government levels

ADA Title III

Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability for public accommodations and commercial

ADA Title IV

Accessible communication systems for those with speech and hearing disabilities

ADA Title V

Miscellaneous areas and legal rules including prohibiting retaliation, relationship of ADA Act to other laws, and list of exclusion of conditions

ADA Title III Examples

Intention is to require all new construction and modifications to be accessible for individuals with disabilities

ex. hotels, restaurants, bars, theaters, grocery stores

Key words: Public Accommodations

Progression of the ADA Title III

1968: The Architechural Barriers Act

1973: Rehabilitation Act

1985: Virginians with Disabilities Act

1990: ADA Enacted

1991: Initial Regulations

2010: Major Revisions

2010-Present: Ongoing Guidance

Why is ADA Title III Important?

Empowerment, recognition, inclusivity

Focuses on private sectors and public infrastructure

Strong implications on OT practice.

OT and ADA Title III

Expands scope of practice for OT - community mobility, social participation, different dimension of recovery for our clients

OTs need to be familiar with accessibility features to ensure recommendations/interventions align with existing ADA compliance

Deepens our roles as advocates for our clients

Factors Influencing ADA Title III

Social movements and civil unrest

Previous legislation

Business interest lobbying

Economic implications