ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments

Step 2 - Appoint an ADA Coordinator

If a public entity has 50 or more employees, it is required to designate at least one responsible employee to coordinate ADA compliance. Although the law does not refer to this person as an “ADA Coordinator,” this term is commonly used. A public entity may have more than one ADA Coordinator. Most states and many counties and municipalities have an overall ADA Coordinator and also have ADA Coordinators at the agency and department level. Some public entities have an employee who oversees employment issues and another to coordinate the non-employment obligations.

The ADA Coordinator is the key player in ensuring ADA compliance. The coordinator must have the authority, knowledge, and motivation to implement the regulations effectively.

One of the greatest benefits of having an ADA Coordinator is that the public can identify an employee to contact with their ADA questions or complaints. Having an ADA Coordinator benefits other employees by providing a specific person with knowledge and information about the ADA. And, of course, the person coordinates compliance efforts and is instrumental in ensuring that compliance plans move forward.

Coordinator's Role

• Plan and coordinate compliance efforts.

• Develop and distribute notice about ADA compliance.

• Respond to general inquiries from the public.

• Coordinate requests for auxiliary aids and services and reasonable modifications of policies, practices and procedures.

• Train staff, boards and commissions on ADA requirements.

• Interact and consult with staff, boards and commission on the ADA.

• Develop a grievance procedure.

• Investigate complaints.

• Conduct a self-evaluation.

• Develop a transition plan.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with the state or local government’s structure, activities, programs and employees.

• Knowledge of the ADA Experience with people with a broad range of disabilities.

• Knowledge of various alternative formats and alternative technologies that enable people with disabilities to communicate, participate, and perform tasks.

• Ability to work cooperatively with the public entity and people with disabilities.

• Negotiation and mediation skills.

• Organizational and analytical skills.

Examples of Involvement

• Meet with municipal recreation department staff when a new program is being created to ensure the participation of people with disabilities.

• Get involved in the discussion of the design of a new courthouse to make sure the ADA Standards are being followed.

• Work with a state agency that is developing a housing program to clarify that some of the units need to be mobility and communication accessible.

• Review draft of county department of mental health contract with private providers to check that ADA obligations are part of the contract.

To ensure that the public can easily identify the ADA Coordinator, the person’s name and contact information must be provided to the public. This can be done through Step 3  Provide Public Notice.