Accessibility (ADA)
Overview
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The purpose of this law is to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. The law defines “Disability” with respect to an individual as:
- a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual;
- a record of such an impairment; or
- being regarded as having such an impairment.
Title II of the ADA covers state and local governments, which includes the University System of Georgia. Title II requires qualified individuals with physical and mental disabilities to be provided equal opportunity to participate in programs, services or activities offered by state and local government.
Additionally, Title II extends the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability established by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to all programs, services or activities, regardless of whether they receive federal financial assistance.
In Georgia, the State ADA Coordinator's Office, which is a section of GSFIC, serves as a technical resource to State agencies for the ADA's Title II general nondiscrimination requirements, program accessibility, communications and employment (including the reasonable accommodation process). The Office also operates the statewide ADA facility improvements program and assists State agencies in updating, strengthening and enhancing the scope of self-evaluation and transition plans to ensure compliance with the ADA mandate.
The Construction Document Review Group conducts plan reviews for proposed new construction of state facilities to ensure compliance with the Georgia Accessibility Code (PDF 5.13mb).
References & Guidelines
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Title II Technical Assistance Manual
- Georgia Accessibility Code for Buildings and Facilities (PDF 5.13mb)
- US Dept of Labor ADA Summary
- US Dept of Labor ADA Facts
- ABAC ADA Guidelines
- ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines
- Guide to the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines
For more information on the applicability of ADA to University System of Georgia institutions, please contact Sandra Neuse.