An Overview of
the Americans with Disabilities Act

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA S.933) into law. The purpose of this act is to give equal opportunity and accessibility to Americans with disabilities, including communication disabilities such as hearing impairment. ADA is designed to stop discrimination against persons with physical handicaps by requiring public facilities to provide accommodations and access to the disabled.

Who is required to Comply with ADA?

Almost all privately owned facilities that provide goods or services to clients, customers, or patrons. Below are some examples of facilities required to comply with ADA.

• Cinemas, opera houses, stadiums, arenas, concert halls, and other venues of exhibition or entertainment.
• Motels, hotels, and similar places of lodging.
• Conference rooms, lecture halls, or convention centers.
• Schools and universities.
• Parks, zoos, museums or other facilities where guided tours take place.
• Terminals used for public transportation.
• Hospitals, retirement/nursing homes
• Courtrooms, fraternal lodges, and other meeting or recreation centers.

What does ADA require?

ADA requires, "No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place or public accommodation."

Assistive Listening Systems and ADA Compliance

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also known as the Access Board) states that FM, infrared and induction loop assistive listening systems are acceptable for meeting the requirements of ADA.

Requirements specific to the accommodations of the hearing impaired:

• New construction of facilities for public assembly- 4% of the total seating must accommodate the hearing impaired.
• In existing facilities seating more than 50 people, 4% of the seats must be accessible. In facilities seating less than 50 people, 2 seats must be accessible for the hearing impaired.
• Full accessibility is not required of existing facilities if the cost of making it accessible exceeds 20% of the cost of the renovation.
• The ADA has set up a 50% tax credit for compliance expenses from $250-10,500 for small businesses with yearly gross sales under $1 million and under 30 employees.