The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a civil rights law intended to ensure that people with disabilities are included in and have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of life in the United States.
The integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of life is a fundamental purpose of the ADA.
The primary responsibility of states, counties, municipalities and other local governments (public entities) is to make sure that people with disabilities can participate equally in all that they have to offer.
That goal requires an evaluation of the existing condition of all of the locations - indoors and out - where provide programs, services and activities are provided.
It also requires a review of policies and procedures to make sure that they support equal access.
Public entities need to do a crosswalk between what they offer and where they offer it to determine if they need to renovate, move or find another way to offer an equitable experience. There are five titles in the ADA, which we will discuss in Topic 5. Title II applies to public entities. The title II regulations are developed and enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
This course focuses on the obligation for public entities to conduct a self-evaluation and develop a transition plan.