Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Portal

We are one of ten regional DBTAC: ADA Centers
funded by NIDRR to provide
Information, Training, Technical Assistance, and Resources
to help those with rights and responsibilities under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to voluntarily comply with the ADA.

What is the ADA?

Passed in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

ADA Anniversary Packet
Celebrate ADA Anniversary - July 26!

Definition of Disability under the the ADA

The ADA has a three-part definition of disability that is based on the definition under the Rehabilitation Act and reflects the specific types of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities. Accordingly, it is not the same as the definition of disability under other laws, such as state workers' compensation laws or other federal or state laws, that provide benefits for people with disabilities and disabled veterans.

Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
  • Or, has a record of such an impairment.
  • Or, is regarded as having such an impairment.

References: ADA Technical Assistance Manual - TAM I-2.2, TAM II-2.1000, TAM III-2.1000

Structure of the ADA (5 Titles)

The ADA consists of five titles that outline required access and accommodations:

Reference: ADA Document Portal - www.adata.org/adaportal

Additional ADA Resources

Check out the following resources for more information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accessibility cannot be guaranteed for external websites.

Contact your National Network of DBTAC: ADA Centers
Phone: 1-800-949-4232 (voice/tty)
Web: www.adata.org/
Disclaimer: The DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center provides these links as a courtesy and does not endorse, take responsibility, or exercise control of the organization nor vouch for the accuracy of the contents of the destination link.

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DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC)
Phone: (800) 949-4232 or (404) 541-9001 [voice/tty]
Email: sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu • Fax: (404) 541-9002

AccessibilityPrivacy & Terms of Use
Website Last Updated: February 9, 2010

Sponsors and Partners

  • Burton Blatt Institute - Syracuse University
  • Law, Health Policy & Disability Center - University of Iowa

  • NIDRR: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
  • Partners Center (password required)
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