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Public entity

Generally speaking, a public entity is a state or local government, as well as any agency, office, or department run by a state or local government. Examples include public libraries, city police departments, community colleges, public schools, county social services, and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. 

[ Read: The ADA and Title II Public Entities ]

Articles

Fact Sheets

  • 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

  • Nonprofits and Religious Entities
    Q: I am trying to find out if a 501(c)(3) is a “religious entity” for ADA purposes (i.e., accommodations in a day care). I am having no luck. Is there a place to look  on tax forms or...
  • 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? A: The answer to thi...
  • My College Club Is Inaccessible
    Q: A club at my college is on a second floor with no elevator. We offered the club a space that was accessible. They stated that it was not required as they are not a public entity. Is this true? A:...
  • Paying to Assist a Child
    Q: My son, who has a disability, attends a gym. His father goes with him as he has personal needs that need attending. The gym wants his father to get a membership even though he is there only to assi...
  • What is “undue hardship” mean relative to reasonable accommodations?
    “Undue Hardship” under the ADA is when a public entity would incur significant expenses or have significant difficulty in providing the accommodation. Undue hardship should be looked at on...

Infographics

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

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

Program Access

Social media image that says: What is program access under Title II of the ADA? It's an equal opportunity for a person with a disability to benefit from a public entity's programs or services. The photo shows a person smiling in a swimming pool. The photo also shows that he has an arm without a hand. 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

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

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

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...

News