Rights of the Disabled

Title II of the ADA prohibits governmental entities from discriminating against disabled individuals with respect to their participation in, or receipt of, benefits from public services, programs, or activities. A governmental body is required to make reasonable modifications to its rules, policies, or practices so that all of its services, programs, and activities are accessible to the disabled. Such modifications include the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers or the provision of auxiliary aids and services. For example, wheelchair ramps are typically installed at a public building's points of ingress and egress. The disabled must also have ready access to other parts of a public building, including the bathrooms, drinking fountains, and telephones. All accessible features, such as ramps and elevators, must be kept in good working order. Telecommunication devices (TDDs) should be used to facilitate communication with the hearing impaired. Public transportation systems must be accessible to the disabled, especially those with wheelchairs. However, a governmental entity is not required to supply a disabled individual with a wheelchair, hearing device, or reading glasses. Neither is it obligated to attend to a disabled individual's personal needs, such as providing assistance with eating.