The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is the main civil rights law for people with disabilities. It covers jobs, state and local government, and businesses open to the public.
This page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For help with your own situation, contact one of the free helpers listed on this page.
What the ADA covers
| Part | Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Title I | Employers with 15 or more workers | Hiring, firing, pay, and job accommodations |
| Title II | State and local government | Public schools, colleges, courts, transit, voting, police, and Medicaid agencies |
| Title III | Businesses open to the public | Stores, restaurants, doctors' offices, private schools, gyms, theaters |
Your main rights
- Equal treatment. You cannot be turned away or treated worse because of a disability.
- Reasonable changes. Places must make reasonable changes to rules and ways of doing things so you can take part. Examples: letting a support person come along, giving extra time, or explaining in plain language.
- Effective communication. Places must communicate with you as well as they do with others. That can mean plain language, pictures, interpreters, or letting you use your device.
- Community living. Under the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, states must offer services in the community, not only in institutions, when that fits the person. More on community living.
- No retaliation. It is illegal to punish you for asking for your rights or filing a complaint.
Who counts as having a disability
Anyone with a physical or mental condition that substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, thinking, communicating, or caring for yourself. Intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome are covered. You do not need to prove how severe it is to be protected.
If your rights are not respected
See Filing a complaint for which agency to contact and the deadlines. Most ADA complaints about government and businesses go to the U.S. Department of Justice at civilrights.justice.gov.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.