Service Animals Overview
Service animals are one of the most asked about topics on the Northeast ADA Center’s technical assistance hotline.
The ADA and Service Animals
What’s a service animal? The answer depends on the situation, and this FAQ article explains the basics.
The ADA and Service Animal Handlers
What should a service animal handler know about rights and responsibilities when they go into the community with the animal?
The ADA and Health Care Providers
This article introduces basic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for health care providers.
Articles
Service Animals Overview
SUMMARY: From the perspective of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), here are a few key things to know about service animals.
Service animals are one of the most asked about topics on the Nort...
The ADA and Service Animals
SUMMARY: What’s a service animal? The answer depends on the situation, and this FAQ article explains the basics.
The term service animal is often misunderstood or misused. Service animal has a...
The ADA and Service Animal Handlers
SUMMARY: What should someone with a service animal know about their rights and responsibilities as a service animal handler when they go into the community? This FAQ article explains a few important p...
Miniature Horses as Service Animals
SUMMARY: Under the regulations for Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from the Department of Justice (DOJ), a service animal must be a dog and no other species of animal. Ho...
The ADA and Health Care Providers
SUMMARY: This article introduces basic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for health care providers. It talks about providing access to the actual building and its features, the use of...
The ADA and Transportation Providers
SUMMARY: Many aspects of transportation are covered by regulations based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This article gives an overview of the ADA requirements for transportation service...
The Spirit of the ADA and Your Business
SUMMARY: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has many regulations, and as a business owner, you may feel that you have a lot to do to meet ADA requirements. However, it may help to approach comp...
About Effective Communication in Title II and Title III
SUMMARY: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) discusses communications-related requirements for Title II and Title III entities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the groundwork for...
The ADA and Title II Public Entities
SUMMARY: The ADA ensures access by people with disabilities to buildings, facilities, programs, services, and activities offered by state and local governments (public entities). These include voting...
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
SIGNED BY: President George H. W. Bush
SIGNED ON: July 26, 1990
SIGNIFICANCE: Protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in many ways.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had stron...
How to File a Complaint
Is something not up to ADA standards? Do you want to file a complaint? If yes, start by figuring out which agency you should complain to. For example, to report a problem with public transportation, y...
The ADA and Fixed-Route Buses
SUMMARY: This page is for bus operators and anyone who needs to understand bus accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has regulations that describe how operators of fixed-route buses...
The ADA and Parking
SUMMARY: Accessible parking is a common feature in parking lots—and a common topic in questions posed on the Northeast ADA Center hotline. This article explains why accessible parking matters an...
The ADA and Employment Service Professionals
SUMMARY: This article is a starting point for learning more about employment service professionals (ESPs). It explains how these professionals support the employment of individuals with disabilit...
The ADA and Public Places
SUMMARY: This article focuses on businesses—stores, restaurants, salons, theaters, and more—that are open to the public. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a lot to...
About Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace
SUMMARY: Rules that stem from Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and from the Rehabilitation Act, concern disability in the workplace. These rules protect the rights of job applican...
8 Tips for Communicating with a Patient Who Has a Disability
SUMMARY: As a health care provider, you may be unsure about how to interact with patients who have disabilities. This article offers easy-to-follow tips that you can put into place today to strengthen...
Parking & Transportation Overview
SUMMARY: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has given us inspiration, guidance, and specific rules about parking and transportation.
Accessible Parking and Transportation Makes a Difference
T...
Olmstead Decision
SUMMARY: The Olmstead decision, which was issued by the US Supreme Court in 1999, has had a major impact on many people and communities. It clarified that because of Title II of the ADA (Americans wit...
State- and Territory-Based Accessibility Requirements
SUMMARY: This article discusses the relationship between federal ADA standards and state or local accessibility standards, in the context of the built environment, that is, things like buildings, side...
Public Places Overview
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers public places. The ADA has different things to say about different types of public places. Title II of the ADA covers public places that are funded by...
About Voting Access Rights
SUMMARY: Many different laws apply to voting rights for people with disabilities. Also, you can report voting problems.
Voting is a right of all Americans, including people with disabilities. As long...
Administrative Requirements for Title II Public Entities
SUMMARY: To jumpstart and maintain their compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II public entities should adhere to five administrative requirements.
To comply with the Amer...
Service Animals Can Be Miniature Horses
Learn why miniature horses can be ideal as service animals in this colorful fact sheet from the Northeast ADA Center
Service Animals Can Be Miniature Horses
Learn why miniature horses can be ideal as service animals in this colorful fact sheet from the Northeast ADA Center
Service Animals on Airplanes
Q: Recently the Department of Transportation (DOT) changed the rules for service animals and emotional support animals on airplanes. Why was this done?
A: The DOT made these changes to avoid problems...
Service Animals on Public Transit
Q: Are the rules for service animals different on public transportation than they are for service animals in other areas like restaurants and stores?
A: The biggest difference between the Dept. of Tr...
Emotional Support Dogs in Common Areas of Housing
Q: I was told by my apartment complex’s management that that I would need a doctor’s note in order to take my emotional support dog into any common areas like the laundry room. Is th...
Pages
Service Animals on Airplanes
Q: Recently the Department of Transportation (DOT) changed the rules for service animals and emotional support animals on airplanes. Why was this done?
Service Animals on Public Transit
Q: Are the rules for service animals different on public transportation than they are for service animals in other areas like restaurants and stores?
Emotional Support Dogs in Common Areas of Housing
Q: I was told by my apartment complex’s management that that I would need a doctor’s note in order to take my emotional support dog into any common areas like the laundry room. Is this correct?
Churches and Coffee Bars
Q: I am a parishioner at a church in New Jersey. We are constructing a coffee bar in our church. The bar will have a sink on the serving side. What are the ADA requirements for the bar and sink on bot...
Marginal Job Function
Q. One of my customer service employees just told me that they have a disability that makes it hard to use their hands for repetitive work. They asked to be released from assisting with stuffing envel...
Courts and Accessible Electronic Documents
Q: I am an attorney who uses a screen reader due to my disability. I have a case in the circuit court. Must the court provide me with accessible versions of electronic documents?
Broken Elevators at Transit Stations
Q. If a transit station has an elevator that breaks down, do the ADA regulations address what should be done to accommodate riders with disabilities?
Fitness for Duty Exams for College Students
Q: My daughter suspended her college enrollment due to medical reasons but is ready to re-enroll. The school is asking for a letter from her physician stating that she is fit to begin school again. Is...
Camping Accommodations
Q: We have a campground available for people attending an outdoor concert. A patron called and asked if they could have electricity at their tent site as they use a CPAP machine at night. We do not us...
Tax Incentives for Business Owners to Improve Accessibility
Q: I own a small business that needs some physical modifications for people who are wheelchair users or have other mobility impairments. Does the federal government have any tax incentives to help me...
Animated Educational Videos for Kids from the Northeast ADA Center
Here at the Northeast ADA Center, we work to educate all our regional stakeholders about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it impacts and applies to their lives and the community. For...
Animated Educational Videos for Kids from the Northeast ADA Center
Here at the Northeast ADA Center, we work to educate all our regional stakeholders about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it impacts and applies to their lives and the community. For...
Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit 07/27/2022-
Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
Issues, Impacts and Implications of an Aging Workforce 10/14/2015-
The aging population is growing and the number of older adults in the workforce is rising, which presents multiple challenges to organizations. Age discrimination and the increased prevalence of disab...
The expanding disability market: Scenario Clinic 09/30/2015-
During this webinar, we will explore and discuss scenarios related to serving people with disabilities in a variety of sectors and businesses. Building upon the September 9 webinar, we will pose...
Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit 07/27/2022-
Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
Issues, Impacts and Implications of an Aging Workforce 10/14/2015-
The aging population is growing and the number of older adults in the workforce is rising, which presents multiple challenges to organizations. Age discrimination and the increased prevalence of disab...
The expanding disability market: Scenario Clinic 09/30/2015-
During this webinar, we will explore and discuss scenarios related to serving people with disabilities in a variety of sectors and businesses. Building upon the September 9 webinar, we will pose...
Interacting with Individuals with Disabilities in Law Enforcement 10/30/2013-
Law enforcement officials, such as police officers, sheriffs, deputies, and other law enforcement personnel play an important role within our communities in ensuring and maintaining the safety of all...
Accessibility Update: Hotels and Resorts 06/20/2013-
Topics covered will include: -The 2010 ADA Standards scoping requirements for Places of Transient Lodging (i.e. What types of occupancies are required to comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Places...
New Regulations: Service Animals 05/30/2013-
This session will review the following topics: • Revised definition of service animals under the ADA • Service animal inquiries under the ADA • Differences between the ADA and other law...
Animals on Planes a Challenge for Airlines, Passengers 02/22/2018-
When Marlin Jackson arrived at his row on a Delta flight from Atlanta to San Diego in June, a man with a sizable dog on his lap already occupied the middle seat. Jackson squeezed by them to his window...
New York Passes Law Against Service Animal Fraud, Joining Other States 01/17/2018-
New York recently joined an increasing number of states that have passed laws aimed at curbing abuse of laws and regulations designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities can be accompanied by...
Animals on Planes a Challenge for Airlines, Passengers 02/22/2018-
When Marlin Jackson arrived at his row on a Delta flight from Atlanta to San Diego in June, a man with a sizable dog on his lap already occupied the middle seat. Jackson squeezed by them to his window...
New York Passes Law Against Service Animal Fraud, Joining Other States 01/17/2018-
New York recently joined an increasing number of states that have passed laws aimed at curbing abuse of laws and regulations designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities can be accompanied by...
Free Webinar-Service Animal Scenarios 02/21/2019-
March 27th 2019 1:00pm EST to 2:00pm ESTPresenter: Chris Sweet, Northeast ADA Technical Assistance and Outreach Specialist
Service animals have begun emerging in popular media as a topic of contentio...
Free Webinar! "Is That a Service Animal: What Rights Apply Where?" 01/17/2018-
January 24, 20181:00pm to 2:00pm
One of the most popular topics that the Northeast ADA is asked about is service animals. It can be confusing for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit pr...
Service Animals and School Districts 03/16/2017-
Service Animals and their presence in schools have been featured in the media recently. Below are two articles that highlight the implications of denying access of service animals in educational setti...
Free Webinar-Service Animal Scenarios 03/20/2019-
Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 1:00 PM EST - 2:30 PM ESTPresenter: Chris Sweet, Northeast ADA Technical Assistance and Outreach Specialist
Service animals have begun emerging in popular media as a topic...
September is National Service Dog Month 08/21/2019-
They provide companionship, inspire confidence, and live to serve, protect, and assist their handlers. Guide dogs, seeing eye dogs, service pets, and assistance animals are helping their humans perfor...
Ask the Department of Justice (DOJ): Open Question and Answer Session 05/16/2018-
Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 2:00 PM EDT - 3:30 PM EDTDo you have a burning question regarding the non-discrimination in programs and services provisions of the ADA? Is there a policy or procedural issue...
Free Audio Conference Series- Ask the EEOC: Open Question and Answer 03/20/2019-
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 2:00 PM EDT - 3:30 PM EDT
Do you have questions regarding the employment provisions of the ADA? Is there an accommodation issue that you are confused about? Do you have ques...
Free Webinar-Accessible Airport Terminals 05/16/2018-
Thursday, June 7th, 2018 2:30 PM EDT - 4:00 PM EDTThis session will review solutions to common access issues in airports and will focus on areas of special concern such as accessible passenger loading...
Airlines Face Soaring Disability Complaints 06/21/2017-
The number of disability-related complaints against airlines shot up more than twofold in a decade, a new government report finds. Travelers with disabilities filed more than 30,000 complaints with ai...
Free Webinar - Accessibility in the Laboratory 10/16/2019-
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM Eastern
Access to STEM education and careers can be challenging for people with disabilities. Given the importance of creating a pipeline of qua...
Check out the Northeast ADA Center's New Infographics! 04/17/2019-
Did you know that the Northeast ADA Center makes infographics with easy to understand facts, statistics, and tips about disability and the ADA? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for our wee...
Cherry Hill Student Prevails in Fight to Bring Service Dog to School 03/16/2017-
In Cherry Hill, NJ it took several months of lobbying school officials before they decided they should allow junior Ben Shore to bring his service dog to school, while they worked to revise the policy...
Determined Teen Finally Allowed to Bring Service Dog to School 02/15/2017-
While Ben Shore, 16, and his service dog Charlie were standing outside Cherry Hill High School East Thursday morning, a woman he didn't know rolled down her car window. "Ben, have a nice day at...
U.S. Access Board Releases Animation on Sales and Service Counters 08/15/2018-
The U.S. Access Board has released an animation on accessible sales and service counters as part of its online guide to standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Archite...
Supreme Court Sides with Family in Service Dog Case 03/16/2017-
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously ruled that the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals should reconsider whether Ehlena Fry and her family can sue a Michigan school district for its decision...
University Under Investigation After Student Denied Service Dog 02/15/2017-
Fordham University denied a student's request for a service dog to live with her on campus, despite her documented disability with the Office of Disability Services. She submitted her request shortly...
U.S. Access Board Free Webinar: Accessible Sales and Service Counters 04/17/2019-
May 2nd 2019, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm Eastern
Counters can pose barriers to people with disabilities in accessing goods and services. This session will cover access to sales and services counters and r...
NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE ON DISABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT 08/15/2018-
Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Raritan Valley Community College118 Lamington RoadBranchburg, NJ 08876
The New Jersey Conference on Disability and Employment returns in 2018 t...
Free Webinar-Effective Communication in the Medical Setting 04/18/2018-
Presented by Joe Zesski May 23rd 2018 at 1:00pm ET
Talking about medical issues can be difficult in any context. When a patient is speaking with their medical care provider, a variety of challen...
What Was The EEOC Up To This Year? Takeaways From 2017 01/17/2018-
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, 2017 and it has released its yearly "Performance and Accountability Report." Although this is a look back, it provides...
U.S. Access Board Consults Stakeholders on Reform Plan 09/20/2017-
During its July meeting, the Board met with stakeholders to gather feedback on an agency reform plan for improving its operations and services. Attendees included representatives from the American Ins...
Join the Diversity Partners National Kick-Off Webinar on March 29th! 03/16/2017-
The Diversity Partners Project, housed at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, is bridging the gap between employment service professionals, job seekers with disabilities and business....
New Yorkers with Disabilities Fight to Text 911 01/18/2017-
New York City's failure to implement texting access for emergency 911 services inspired a federal complaint Tuesday by a disability-rights group. Disability Rights New York filed the suit&n...
Free Webinar - Implementing the ADA in a Health Care Setting 03/19/2020-
Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 12:00 PM EST - 1:00 PM ESTPresenters: Joe Zesski, Program Manager, Northeast ADA CenterSally Heron, Ithaca Center Manager, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
People wi...
Funds for New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities May Be Cut 03/19/2020-
A group of the state's largest nonprofit associations representing service providers supporting New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities claim the state is not only ignoring their...
Free Webinar-Implementing the ADA in a Health Care Setting 02/19/2020-
Wednesday March 25, 2020 12:00pm ET - 1:00pm ET.Presenters: Joe Zesski, Program Manager, Northeast ADA CenterSally Heron, Ithaca Center Manager, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
People with dis...
US Attorney Reaches Settlements In Restaurant-Access Complaint 01/15/2020-
The US Attorney's Office for the State of Connecticut reached settlement agreements with the Market Place Kitchen & Bar of 32 Church Hill Road and with its landlord, Mesa Contractors, December 17,...
EEOC Helps Veterans Understand Their Employment Rights Under ADA 11/20/2019-
Veterans Day - a federal holiday observed annually on November 11 to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces - is an appropriate time for veterans who have returned t...
Free Webinar-Accessible Restaurants and Bars 11/20/2019-
Thursday, December 5th, 20192:30 PM EST - 4:00 PM EST
New trends in the design of restaurants and bars pose challenging questions on the best way to achieve access so that they are inclusive of every...
Register Now: NJ Conference on Disability & Employment 09/18/2019-
Register now for the 2019 New Jersey Conference on Disability & Employment, a half-day event scheduled for October 23, 2019 at Middlesex County College in Edison. Hear from employers, educators, a...
U.S. Access Board to Conduct Free Webinars on Website Accessibility 08/21/2019-
Access to websites is essential in today's digital environment for obtaining information, downloading data, sharing media, obtaining goods and services, and making other transactions. Many websites, h...
Free Webinar-Effective Communication: What Does That Mean? 06/21/2019-
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 2:00pm EDT to 3:30pm EDT
What does it mean to communicate effectively with someone who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind? This session will begin with a brief review of t...
Facebook Charged With Disability-Related Discrimination 04/17/2019-
The federal government is accusing Facebook of illegally using its advertising platform to discriminate against people with disabilities and other groups. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Deve...
The Deaf Community Voices its Claims in PR 01/16/2019-
The Deaf Autonomous Movement (MAS, by its Spanish acronym), as well as individual deaf people, their families and advocates, have been recently demanding across the media and on social media that thei...
