The ADA and City Governments: Common Problems

Introduction

Access to civic life by people with disabilities is a fundamental goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To ensure that this goal is met, Title II of the ADA requires State and local governments to make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. This requirement extends not only to physical access at government facilities, programs, and events — but also to policy changes that governmental entities must make to ensure that all people with disabilities can take part in, and benefit from, the programs and services of State and local governments. In addition, governmental entities must ensure effective communication — including the provision of necessary auxiliary aids and services — so that individuals with disabilities can participate in civic life.

Curb ramps providing access to streets and sidewalks are a basic city service.

One important way to ensure that Title II’s requirements are being met in cities of all sizes is through self-evaluation, which is required by the ADA regulations. Self-evaluation enables local governments to pinpoint the facilities, programs and services that must be modified or relocated to ensure that local governments are complying with the ADA.

This document contains a sampling of common problems shared by city governments of all sizes that have been identified through the Department of Justice’s ongoing enforcement efforts. The document provides examples of common deficiencies and explains how these problems affect persons with disabilities. The document is not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive.

City programs held in this municipal gazebo are covered by the ADA.

For additional information about the Americans with Disabilities Act’s Title II requirements, please contact the Department of Justice ADA Information Line. This free service provides answers to general and technical questions about ADA requirements and free ADA documents, such as Commonly Asked Questions about Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Commonly Asked Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act and Law Enforcement, Title II Highlights, Access for 9‒1‒1 and Telephone Emergency Service, the ADA Guide for Small Towns, and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. You may reach the ADA Information Line at:

800‒514‒0301 (voice) or 800‒514‒0383 (TTY)

ADA information is also available on the Department’s ADA Home Page on the World Wide Web at:

(http://www.ada.gov/index.html)