Accessibility

For information on ableism, including a definition, click here.

Accessibility Basics

Creating Accessible Spaces & Events

In Activism

Legally Required Accessibility

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Accessible parking
Buildings
Communications
Healthcare
Physical mobility
Recreation and Fitness
Restaurants and Dining Areas
Service Animals
Transportation
Law text

Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968
Standards Overview

Telecommunications

Fair Housing Act

Overview

Section on Disability

Air Carrier Access Act
Jargon-filled text
  • A little clearer explanation
    • The tldr of this is that air carriers are not allowed to discriminate against disabled people, including requiring advanced written notice of travel (in most cases), that they must assist with stowing and retrieving carry-on items and accessibility tools, and that they must have effective communication materials on board.
    • Additional specific rules include:
      • Lavatories on single-aisle aircraft (pdf)
        • installation of grab bars supporting a minimum of 250 pounds
        • faucets that have tactile markers around temperature or all water temp adjusted to avoid risk of burns
        • call buttons and door locks accessible from a seated position
        • visual barrier in addition to door if passenger cannot use the lavatory with the door closed
        • training flight attendants around proper assistance
        • removing the International Symbol of Accessibility from new and in-service aircraft that are equipped with lavatories that are not capable of facilitating a seated independent transfer
        • sharps and bio-waste disposal methods
        • safety features on an on-board wheelchair, including locks
      • Traveling with service animals (pdf)
        • defines service animal as a dog individually trained to provide assistance, regardless of dog breed or person’s disabilities
        • allows airlines to recognize emotional support animals as pets vs service animals
        • limits the number of service animals an individual can bring to 2
        • allows airlines to require a form (pdf example) to be filled out prior to flight attesting to animal’s good behavior, health, etc. and, if traveling on long flights, fill our another form (pdf example) around the pet relieving itself; must be provided 48+ hours in advance of travel; prohibits airlines requiring individuals with service animals to check-in physically
        • allows airlines to require leashes, harnesses, etc., at all times
        • specifies when a passenger can be charged for damage done by a service animal
      • Accessibility of Web Sites and Automated Kiosks at U.S. Airports (pdf)
        • airline websites required to be accessible
        • airline personnel must disclose prices available via internet if booking over the phone due to a disability
        • institutes specific access requirements for 25% of available automated check-in kiosks at any one location (fact sheet – pdf)
      • Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance – U.S. Airports (pdf)
        • new accessibility requirements around service animal relief areas, captioning of TV and other audio-visual displays
        • requires airports in cities with 10,000 or more annual enplanements to work with domestic and international carriers to ensure lifts are available for boarding/deplaning passengers with mobility needs
      • Seat Strapping of Passenger Wheelchairs (pdf)
      • Reporting of Mishandled Baggage and Wheelchairs (pdf)

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
National Voter Registration Act
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Rehabilitation Act