How To File A Complaint Under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Title III prohibits discrimination in public accomodations. Private entities covered by title III include places of lodging, establishments, stations used for specified public transportation, places of display or collection, places of recreation, places of education, social service center establishments, and places of exersize or recreation. Title III also covers commercial facilities (such as warehouses, factories, and office buildings), private transportation services, and licensing and testing practices.

If you feel you or another person has been discriminated against by an entity covered by title III, send a letter to the Department of Justice at the address below.

Please include the following information:

Your full name, address, and telephone number, and the name of the party discriminated against.
The name of the business, organization, or institution that you believe has discriminated.
A description of the act or acts of discrimination, the date or dates of the discriminatory acts, and the name or names of the individuals you believe discriminated.
Other information that you believe necessary to support your complaint.

Sign and send the letter to the following address:

Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Post Office Box 66788
Washington D.C. 20035-6738

You also have the option of filing your own case in U.S. District Court.

Exempt Businesses

Small businesses have limited protection from lawsuits. Except with respect to new construction and alterations, no lawsuit can be filed concerning acts or omissions that occur before:

July 26, 1992, by businesses with 25 or fewer employees and gross
receipts of $1,000,000 or less.

Or:

January 26, 1993, by businesses with 10 or fewer employees and gross
reciepts of $500,000 or less.

Other Helpful Information

Depending upon the nature of your complaint, other information
would be helpful to the investigation:

The name or names of the individuals or entities who have an ownership and/or managed interest in each facility or business that is the subject of your complaint, with phone numbers and addresses, including zip codes, if you have them.
Information specifying whether the facility is owned and/or operated by a private entity or a state or local government.
The nature of the activity or service provided by the business.
If you are alleging failure to remove architectural barriers, a description, including as much detail as possible, of the barriers. If possible, please provide pictures, videotapes, diagrams, or other illustrations that accurately depict the alleged violation.
Any suggestions for remedying the alleged violations of the ADA.
Information about whether you have filed a related complaint with a U.S. Attorney's Office or any other Federal, State, or local agency, or any court, or whether you intend to file such a complaint.

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