ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments

ADA Team

A team approach is key to achieving successful compliance for several reasons. First, the self-evaluation and transition plan require collecting information from all programs, services, and activities of the entity. This is too large a task for one person. Second, the transition plan and self-evaluation require varied expertise and specialized skills.   

One of the important aspects of putting together a team is to identify the various players needed for this effort. The following criteria should be considered:

Representation of all departments

Each department or other major organizational unit should designate a liaison to participate in overall planning and decision making, collect information regarding his or her department's policies and practices, inform staff within the department of ADA requirements, and serve as contact person for the public within that department. 

Special skills and expertise

Including staff and/or external parties with skills and expertise in the following areas will be very helpful to the team:

• finance and budgeting

• capital planning

• facilities management

• employment

• contracts and purchasing

• public works

• communication accessibility

Involvement of people with disabilities

There are several reasons to include people with disabilities. First, the regulation requires that public entities provide an opportunity for people with disabilities and other interested individuals or organizations to review and comment on the self-evaluation and transition plan. Second, involving the end users in the process will generate solutions that are creative and effective. Third, involving people with disabilities in decision-making will strengthen the accountability of the process and ensure wise use of limited public resources.  The team should include representation of as wide a range of disabilities as possible. People with physical, visual, hearing, speech, intellectual,  learning, behavioral health, and other disabilities may be included on the team.