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Public accommodation

Generally speaking, a public accommodation is a business or nonprofit organization open to the public where commerce takes place. Commerce happens when things are bought or sold, or when services are bought or sold. Examples are restaurants, stadiums, and hospitals. Additional examples include daycare centers, private schools, golf courses, and zoos. Private transportation—such as a touring bus company, taxi service, or cruise line—also falls into this category.

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers public accommodations, and it sets out twelve broad categories for what is a public accommodation. If you’re curious about the details, see the Definitions section of Title III.

[ Read: Public Places Overview ]

Articles

Fact Sheets

  • Job Coaches as Accommodations (PDF)
    Is a job coach a reasonable accommodation? Find expert advice in a fact sheet from the Northeast ADA Center. employment service professional, ESP
  • Beach Access Routes (PDF)
    What makes a public beach accessible? View photos and get an overview of important standards and best practices in this fact sheet from the Northeast ADA Center.

Ask About the ADA

  • Requests for Telework
    Q: How does an individual advocate for an accommodation request such as telework when the employer says they can't do that if others do not have the same opportunity. Meaning, they do not have a telew...
  • How long should it take to get a reasonable accommodation for my job?
    The regulations from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) do not specify how long the reasonable accommodation process should take. However, the process should be accomplished as quickly...
  • Information Requests When Seeking a Reasonable Accommodation
    Q: Can you give an example of the type of information an employer may ask, or an employee may have to share when there is a request for reasonable accommodation? A: During a request for reasonable ac...
  • Personal Assistants as a Reasonable Accommodation
    Q: Is asking for a personal assistance service a reasonable accommodation in the workplace under the ADA? A: Under the ADA, private employers are not obligated to provide or pay for personal services...
  • Job Coaches as a Reasonable Accommodation
    Q: I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor. A large retail store told me that due to COVID-19 restrictions, they cannot accept any job applicants who will need a job coach as a reasonable accommoda...

Infographics

Access to Public Services

Infographic that says: Access to Public Services Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to public entities and their programs, services, and activities. The ADA defines a public entity as: - Any state or local government - Any department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a state or states or local government - The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and any commuter authority What are some examples? - Town libraries - City police departments - County government offices - Public schools and universities - City subways Share on Facebook

What is a public accommodation?

Social media image that says: What is a public accommodation? A place of public accommodation is an establishment open to the public where commerce occurs, like a hotel, store, or café under Title III of the ADA. Share on Facebook

Public Beaches Must Be Accessible to People with Disabilities

Infographic that says: Public Beaches Must Be Accessible to People with Disabilities. Beach facilities - such as parking lots, toilet rooms, concessions, and showers - must be accessible and located on an accessible route. Share on Facebook

Because of the ADA

Infographic titled 'Because of the ADA.' The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including access to jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places that are open to the general public. The law is divided into five titles (or areas) where the various protections for people with disabilities are spelled out. The goal of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Here are just a few of the positive effects that can be observed today, all because of the ADA. Are you going out into the community? You can park in an accessible parking space. You can take an accessible bus. You can easily enter stores because of a curb ramp and doors that are accessible. You can navigate through stores along a clear path of travel. Signage at areas like bathrooms is clear and concise with raised characters and Braille. Drinking fountains are accessible. The checkout counter and service counters you encounter are lower and more accessible. You can bring your service animal with you. Are you going to the movies? theaters offer assisted listening devices to help you hear better. Are you making a phone call? You can use a relay service to assist you with communication. Are you going to a concert or sporting event? You have access to wheelchair accessible seats alongside your friends and family. Are you going to work? You can request a change in how things are typically done from your employer, called a reasonable accommodation, to assist you with work tasks. Are you going to vote or to a town meeting? Your polling place and municipal programs, offices and meetings must be accessible to you. Are you going to the Doctor? You can request an interpreter to communicate more efficiently. You can request medical information in a manner that works for you. Nearly 37 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today's 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. (ADA National Network, ADA Anniversary Toolkit) 'This Act is powerful in its simplicity. it will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream.' -President George H.W. Bush, ADA Signing Ceremony, July 26, 1990 Share on Facebook

ADA Checklist: Places of Public Accommodation

Infographic titled 'ADA Checklist: Places of Public Accommodation' featuring a graphic of a supermarket storefront and a bulleted list. Are the entrance and approach to the entrance accessible? Can visitors get to the goods or products offered in an accessible manner? Are toilet rooms accessible? Visit www.adachecklist.org to learn more. If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Title II: What is a Public Entity?

'Title II: What Is a Public Entity?' Title II of the ADA applies to 'Public Entities.' These include: any state or local government, departments and agencies of state or local government, and commuter rail authorities and AMTRAK. If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232. Share on Facebook

Blog Posts

Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    July 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...
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    April 26, 2021
    This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...

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