ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments

Federal Agencies

Many federal agencies issue regulations, provide technical assistance and enforce different sections of the ADA. For example the Department of Justice is responsible for title II, which applies to state and local governments, and title III, which applies to businesses and non-profit organizations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission handles all things related to the ADA and employment.  Below is a list of the relevant federal agencies.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The DOJ issues, enforces and provides technical assistance on the ADA regulations governing public accommodations and state and local government services. Technical assistance is provided by telephone and by web-based material on Title II and Title III issues such as service animals, polling places, accessible websites and emergency preparedness.

• DOJ website

• Technical assistance:

  • 800-514-0301 voice

  • 800-514-0383 TTY

• File a complaint with DOJ

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC issues, enforces and provides technical assistance on the ADA Title I employment regulations. Technical assistance is provided by web-based material on many ADA subjects such as reasonable accommodation, pre-employment inquiries, performance standards and employee medical exams.

• EEOC website

• Filing a charge of discrimination with the EEOC

Access Board

The Access Board issues the document that is the basis of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It provides technical assistance on the Standards by telephone and develops guides to the Standards which include helpful illustrations and animations.

• Technical assistance:

  • 800-872-2253 voice

  • 800-993-2822  TTY

• Access Board website

• Guide to the ADA Standards

• Trainings

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The DOT issues and enforces the ADA transportation regulations.  Most of the ADA provisions fall under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure nondiscriminatory provision of public transit services.

• DOT website

• File a complaint with FTA

Other divisions of DOT that have ADA obligations include:

• Federal Highway Administration –ADA compliance in the public right-of-way (roadway travel lanes, medians, planting strips, sidewalks).

• Federal Railroad Administration – Administers intercity and commuter rail compliance with ADA.

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Administers ADA regulations requiring accessible, timely Over-the-Road Bus service for passengers with disabilities.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC enforces ADA regulations covering telecommunication services.

• FCC website

• File a complaint with FCC

Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

OCR enforces Title II, as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• OCR website

• File a complaint with OCR

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD enforces ADA Title II housing issues. HUD develops and enforces two “companion” housing laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act.

• HUD website

• File a complaint with HUD

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Office of Disability Integration and Coordination

FEMA supports citizens and first responders in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating all hazards.

• FEMA Disability and emergency management