ADA Requirements in Public Accommodations Fact Sheet
Item Number: 301
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TXT File: ADA Requirements in Public Accommodations Fact Sheet (.TXT) 
General
- Public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day care centers, may not discriminate on the basis of disability. Private clubs and religious organizations are exempt.
- Reasonable changes in policies, practices, and procedures must be made to avoid discrimination.
Auxiliary Aids
Auxiliary aids and services must be provided to individuals with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would result.
Physical Barriers
- Physical barriers in existing facilities must be removed, if removal is readily achievable. If not, alternative methods of providing the services must be offered, if they are readily achievable.
- All new construction in public accommodations, as well as in "commercial facilities" such as office buildings, must be accessible. Elevators are generally not required in buildings under three stories or with fewer than 3,000 square feet per floor, unless the building is a shopping center, mall, or a professional office of a health care provider.
- Alterations must be accessible. When alterations to primary function areas are made, an accessible path of travel to the altered area (and the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving that area) must be provided to the extent that the added accessibility costs are not disproportionate to the overall cost of the alterations. Elevators are required as described above.
- Entities such as hotels that also offer transportation must generally provide equivilent transportation service to individuals with disabilities. New fixed-route vehicles capable of carrying more than 16 passengers must be made accessible.
Remedies
- Individuals may bring private lawsuits to obtain court orders to stop discrimination, but money damages cannot be awarded.
- Individuals can also file complaints with the Attorney General who may file lawsuits to stop discrimination and obtain money damages and penalties.
This document is available in the following accessible formats:
- Braille
- Large Print
- Audiotape
- Electronic file on computer disk and electronic bulletin board at 202-514-6193
For more information on the ADA contact:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Coordination and Review Section
PO Box 66118
Washington, DC 20035-6118
202-514-0301 (Voice)
202-514-0381 (TDD)
202-514-0383 (TDD)
