Commercial facilities, such as factories and warehouses, must comply with the ADA's architectural
standards for new construction and alterations.
Complaints of title III violations may be filed with the Department of Justice. In certain situations,
cases may be referred to a mediation program sponsored by the Department. The Department is
authorized to bring a lawsuit where there is a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of
title III, or where an act of discrimination raises an issue of general public importance. Title III may
also be enforced through private lawsuits.
It is not necessary to file a complaint with the
Department of Justice (or any Federal agency), or to receive a “right-to-sue” letter, before going to
court. For more information, contact:
Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 66738
Washington, D.C. 20035-6738
You may also call for information at:
(800) 514-0301 (voice)
(800) 514-0383 (TDD)
ADA Title IV: Telecommunications
Title IV addresses telephone and television access for people with hearing and speech disabilities.
It requires common carriers (telephone companies) to establish interstate and intrastate
telecommunications relay services (TRS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week..
Act
Rehabilitation
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by
Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in
the employment practices of Federal contractors. The standards for determining employment
discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in title I of the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
Section 501
Section 501 requires affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment by Federal agencies
of the executive branch. To obtain more information or to file a complaint, employees should contact
their agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office.
Section 503
Section 503 requires affirmative action and prohibits employment discrimination by Federal
government contractors and subcontractors with contracts of more than $10,000.
Section 504
Section 504 states that “no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be