ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments

Title III - Private Entities

Public accommodations are private entities that own, lease, lease to, or operate facilities such as restaurants, stores, hotels, theaters, private schools, doctors' offices, day care centers, and recreation facilities including sports stadiums and fitness clubs.

Public accommodations must comply with basic nondiscrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation, and unequal treatment. They also must comply with architectural accessibility standards for new and altered buildings; reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures; and effective communication with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. Additionally, public accommodations must remove barriers in existing buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense.

Courses and examinations related to professional, educational, or trade-related applications, licensing, certifications, or credentialing must be provided in a place and manner accessible to people with disabilities, or alternative accessible arrangements must be offered.

Commercial facilities, such as factories and warehouses, must comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Transportation services provided by private entities are also covered by Title III. This includes over-the-road buses, hotel airport shuttle services, taxi services, van companies, charter buses and private school transportation.