A

ABA (Architectural Barriers Act)

Enacted in 1968, this Act requires that buildings and facilities designed, constructed, altered, or leased with certain federal funds must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Access

The ability or means by which individuals with disabilities can freely and easily approach, enter, or use a site, facility, or service.

Access Board

An independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology.

Accessible Format

Alternate means of presenting information, typically for people with visual impairments. Formats may include large print, braille, audio recordings, and digital files compatible with screen reading software.

Accessible Route

A continuous, unobstructed path within or between buildings that complies with established accessibility standards and guidelines, ensuring that people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs, can navigate easily.

Accommodation (Reasonable Accommodation)

A modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way tasks are typically completed that enables a qualified individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties, or receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

ADA Coordinator

An individual designated by an employer or entity to oversee ADA compliance efforts, including investigating accessibility complaints and providing information and assistance regarding the ADA.

ADA Compliance

Adherence to the guidelines and requirements set forth by the ADA to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

Adaptive Technology

A specialized type of assistive technology that is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive technologies modify existing devices or use new technologies to aid individuals in performing tasks.

Aids and Services

Supports provided to individuals with disabilities to improve communication and ensure equal access to information and services. This includes interpreters, captioning services, assistive listening devices, and materials in alternative formats.

Assistive Technology

Any item, piece of equipment, software, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Auxiliary Aids and Services

Tools or services that ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities, such as interpreters, note-takers, written materials, and telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs).

B

Barrier

Obstructions that prevent or hinder individuals with disabilities from fully accessing environments, services, or information, which can be physical, communicational, or systemic.

Barrier-Free Design

Designing environments without physical barriers to ensure accessibility for individuals with all types of disabilities. It encompasses a broad range of elements, from door widths to the absence of steps.

Braille

A tactile system of reading and writing used by people who are blind or have severe visual impairments, consisting of raised dots representing letters, numbers, and punctuation marks.

Built Environment

The human-made space in which people live, work, and recreate on a day-to-day basis. This includes buildings, parks, and transportation systems, designed to be inclusive and accessible.

Business Necessity

A principle that allows employers to require certain skills or abilities that might exclude individuals with disabilities if these requirements are essential to the operation of the business.

Board of Trustees

In the context of ADA, it often refers to the governing body of an institution or organization that oversees compliance with ADA regulations, among other responsibilities.

Behavioral Support Plan

A plan used primarily in educational and employment settings to address the needs of individuals with behavioral challenges, ensuring they receive appropriate support to succeed in these environments.

Biomedical Aids

Devices or technologies designed to assist individuals with disabilities in performing daily activities or to improve their quality of life, including hearing aids, prosthetics, and mobility devices.

Best Practices

Procedures or guidelines that are recognized as being effective in achieving ADA compliance, improving accessibility, and promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Blindness

A condition characterized by a lack of visual perception. The ADA protects individuals who are legally blind by ensuring they have equal opportunities in employment, access to public spaces, and services.

Buddy System

A method used in various settings, including workplaces and schools, to pair individuals with disabilities with those without, to facilitate accessibility and inclusion, and to provide assistance as needed.

C

Civil Rights

Rights that ensure individuals’ freedom from discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, or national origin, guaranteeing equal access to public spaces, employment, education, and services.

Communication Aids

Tools or devices that assist individuals with communication disabilities, such as text-to-speech devices, communication boards, or software applications that facilitate alternative forms of communication.

Compliance

Adherence to the requirements of laws, regulations, and guidelines, such as those set forth in the ADA, to ensure that rights and protections for individuals with disabilities are upheld.

Complementary Paratransit

Transportation services provided to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route public transportation systems, offering a comparable level of service.

Confidentiality

The requirement to keep personal information private, including medical details about an individual’s disability, except as required by law or necessary for the provision of accommodations.

Congenital Disability

A disability that is present at birth, which can affect an individual’s physical or cognitive abilities. The ADA protects individuals with congenital disabilities from discrimination.

Constructive Discharge

A situation where an employee resigns due to an employer creating a work environment that is intolerable and which any reasonable person would consider quitting. If this is due to discrimination or failure to accommodate a disability, it can be a violation of the ADA.

Covered Entity

Under the ADA, any employer, business, or organization that is subject to the law’s requirements, including private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions.

Curb Cut

A sloped guide usually found at crosswalks, allowing individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to easily move from a sidewalk to the street and vice versa, enhancing accessibility.

Customized Employment

A flexible approach to job development and placement that personalizes the employment relationship between a job candidate and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both. It is based on an individualized match between the strengths, needs, and interests of the job seeker with a disability and the business needs of the employer.

Communication Barrier

Any type of barrier that prevents effective communication, including barriers to hearing, seeing, or understanding, that can affect individuals with disabilities. Ensuring accessible communication is a key provision under the ADA.

D

Disability

A condition involving physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. The ADA protects individuals with such disabilities from discrimination.

Direct Threat

A significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by modifying policies, practices, or procedures, or by providing auxiliary aids or services.

Discrimination

Actions that treat an individual unfavorably or less favorably due to their disability. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodation, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

Disability Etiquette

The respectful communication and interaction with people who have disabilities. It involves recognizing what to do or say and what to avoid to respect individuals’ autonomy and preferences.

Disability Adjudication

The process of making a formal judgment or decision about whether an individual meets the legal definition of disability under specific criteria, such as those used for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Disability Awareness Training

Programs or sessions designed to increase awareness and understanding of disabilities, promote respectful interactions, and highlight the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities.

Disparate Impact

Indirect discrimination occurring when policies, practices, rules, or other systems that appear to be neutral result in a disproportionate impact on a protected group, including people with disabilities.

Disparate Treatment

Direct discrimination against an individual because of their disability, where they are treated differently than others who are similarly situated.

Due Diligence

The process of taking reasonable steps to comply with legal requirements, such as those mandated by the ADA, to prevent discrimination and ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Medical equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions or illnesses, which can include wheelchairs, crutches, or hospital beds.

Digital Accessibility

Ensuring that digital platforms, websites, and resources are accessible to individuals with disabilities, incorporating design considerations that accommodate various impairments.

Disability Inclusion

Actively ensuring that people with disabilities are fully integrated into society, including workplaces, schools, and communities, with equal opportunities and access.

Designated Parking

Parking spaces that are specifically reserved for individuals with disabilities, marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility and located to provide the shortest accessible route to the building entrance or facility.

Developmental Disability

A diverse group of severe chronic conditions due to mental and/or physical impairments that arise during the developmental period, affecting day-to-day functioning and usually lasting throughout a person’s lifetime.

Deaf Culture

The set of social beliefs, traditions, history, values, and communities that form around the experience of deafness and use of sign language as a primary means of communication.

E

Effective Communication

Ensuring that communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities is as effective as communicating with people without disabilities. This may require furnishing auxiliary aids and services.

Employment Discrimination

Unfair treatment of employees or job applicants based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or genetic information, rather than their qualifications or performance. The ADA prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The U.S. federal agency that enforces laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including the ADA’s Title I, which covers employment discrimination based on disability.

Essential Functions

The fundamental job duties of a position all employees in the position must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Determining essential functions is a key factor in assessing ADA accommodations.

Exclusionary Criteria

Policies or practices that deny certain rights, benefits, or opportunities to individuals based on disability, which can constitute discrimination if they are not based on essential requirements.

Executive Order 11246

An order that prohibits federal contractors and federally assisted construction contractors and subcontractors from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also includes affirmative action provisions to ensure equal employment opportunities.

Experiential Accessibility

Creating environments and opportunities that are not only physically accessible to individuals with disabilities but also provide them with the same level of engagement and experience as those without disabilities.

Extended School Year Services (ESY)

Special education and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond the normal school year, in accordance with the student’s individualized education program (IEP) and at no cost to the parents.

Exemption

Circumstances under which an entity or individual is relieved from having to comply with a specific regulation or requirement, which in the context of the ADA, is limited and strictly defined.

Exploitation

Taking unfair advantage of individuals with disabilities for personal, financial, or other gain, which is prohibited under various laws protecting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.

Expressive Language Disorder

A communication disorder characterized by difficulties in expressing oneself through speech, writing, or sign language, impacting effective communication and potentially requiring accommodations.

Emergency Preparedness

The process of planning and implementing safety measures and protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals, including those with disabilities, in the event of an emergency.

Equal Access

Ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to participate in and benefit from all programs, services, and activities provided by public entities and private accommodations.

Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (EITAS)

Guidelines and criteria that ensure electronic and information technology is designed, developed, and procured to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, as mandated by various laws including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

F

Fair Housing Act

A law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on disability, as well as race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.

Functional Limitation

A physical or mental impairment that affects the ability to perform certain tasks or activities within a range considered normal for a human being.

Facilitated Communication

A method of assistance that enables individuals with severe communication disabilities to express themselves, typically involving a facilitator who supports the user’s hand or arm during the process of typing or pointing to symbols.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A federal law that provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons, including caring for a family member with a serious health condition, which can include a disability.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

A unit that indicates the workload of an employed person in a way that makes workloads or class loads comparable across various contexts. In ADA contexts, it can relate to staffing requirements for providing reasonable accommodations.

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

A provision under the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures students with disabilities are provided with education that meets their needs at no cost to the parent.

Functional Assessment

An evaluation of an individual’s abilities and challenges in performing daily life activities, often used to determine the need for accommodations or modifications under the ADA.

Fundamental Alteration

A change in the nature of a program, service, or activity that would significantly alter its essential components. Under the ADA, entities are not required to make modifications that would constitute a fundamental alteration of their programs or services.

G

Grievance Procedure

A formal process through which an individual can file a complaint regarding a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public entities and employers often have established grievance procedures to address complaints related to accessibility and discrimination.

General Accessibility

Refers to the usability of buildings, products, and environments for people with disabilities. The aim is to make spaces and services usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

Guide Dog

A specially trained service animal that assists individuals who are blind or have severe visual impairments. The ADA provides for the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals, including guide dogs, in most places open to the public.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Federal legislation that prohibits discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information. While not part of the ADA, GINA complements the ADA’s protections against discrimination, including for conditions that may be considered disabilities.

Group Homes

Residential facilities that house individuals with disabilities, offering a more normalized living environment and the opportunity for residents to receive care and services in a community setting. The ADA and Fair Housing Act regulate the rights and accommodations in such settings to prevent discrimination.

Gainful Employment

Employment that provides a salary or wages sufficient to support an individual, taking into account their abilities and the level of accommodation required. The ADA aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to obtain gainful employment.

Governmental Accessibility Standards

Regulations and guidelines established by government bodies to ensure that buildings, services, and environments are accessible to individuals with disabilities. These standards are part of the effort to implement the ADA’s requirements across various sectors.

Grading Modifications

Adjustments or changes in the way educational performance is assessed for students with disabilities. These modifications may include altering the way assignments are graded to accommodate the specific needs of students, ensuring they are assessed fairly.

H

Hard of Hearing

A term used to describe individuals who have some hearing loss but usually can use their hearing to communicate. The ADA ensures that hard of hearing individuals have access to accommodations that may include assistive listening devices or captioning to enhance communication.

HUD (Housing and Urban Development)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which enforces policies ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to housing under laws like the Fair Housing Act, which works in conjunction with ADA standards to prevent discrimination in housing.

Harassment

Unwelcome conduct based on a disability that becomes a condition of continued employment or creates a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. The ADA prohibits harassment based on disability.

Health Care Provider

A doctor, psychologist, or other health professional who provides medical or health services. Under the ADA, health care providers must offer accessible services to individuals with disabilities, which may include physical access to medical facilities or effective communication accommodations.

Hearing Impairment

Any degree of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. People with hearing impairments are covered under the ADA, which mandates accommodations in various settings to ensure they can communicate effectively and access services on an equal basis with others.

Home Modifications

Changes or adaptations to a home environment to accommodate individuals with disabilities, allowing them greater independence and safety. These can include ramps, widened doorways, or modified bathrooms and are often part of ensuring compliance with the ADA for accessible housing.

Hostile Work Environment

A situation created when harassment in the workplace becomes so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment and creates an abusive working environment. Under the ADA, this includes harassment based on disability.

Housing Discrimination

The illegal practice of denying an individual or group the right to rent, buy, or secure financing for a dwelling based on disability, among other protected statuses. The Fair Housing Act and the ADA work to prevent such discrimination.

Inclusion

The practice of ensuring that people with disabilities are fully integrated into society, workplaces, schools, and other settings, enabling them to participate fully and equally.

I

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

A U.S. federal law that requires public schools to provide children with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs.

Interactive Process

A collaborative communication process between an employer and an employee with a disability to identify and implement appropriate reasonable accommodations.

Impairment

Any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. Under the ADA, an impairment can qualify as a disability if it substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Intermittent Leave

A form of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that allows employees to take leave in separate blocks of time due to a single qualifying reason, including for a serious health condition of the employee that qualifies as a disability.

Inaccessible

Referring to environments, objects, or resources that cannot be easily accessed or used by individuals with disabilities due to physical barriers or lack of appropriate accommodations.

Integrated Employment

Employment settings for individuals with disabilities that are in mainstream work settings where the majority of persons employed are not individuals with disabilities, and they earn at least minimum wage.

Interpreter Services

Professional services provided to facilitate communication with deaf or hard of hearing individuals, often involving American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, but can also include services for individuals with other communication impairments.

Involuntary Termination

The dismissal of an employee by an employer for various reasons. Under the ADA, an employer cannot involuntarily terminate an employee solely based on a disability provided the employee can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Independent Living

A movement and philosophy that advocates for the right of people with disabilities to live with choice and control over their lives and participate fully in society, including having access to appropriate housing, employment, and education.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A document developed for each public school child who needs special education. The IEP outlines the child’s specific learning expectations and the services the school will provide to meet those needs.

Information Technology Accessibility

The practice of designing, developing, and delivering technology solutions and systems, such as websites, software, and hardware, that are accessible and usable by individuals with a wide range of disabilities.

J

Job Accommodation

A change or adjustment to a job or work environment that enables a qualified individual with a disability to participate in the job application process, perform essential job functions, or enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those available to employees without disabilities.

Job Analysis

A process to identify and detail the particular job duties and requirements, and the importance of these duties for a given job. In the context of the ADA, job analysis is crucial for determining reasonable accommodations and assessing whether an individual with a disability is qualified for the job.

Job Coaching

Support provided to employees with disabilities, often by a specialist, to help them learn and accurately carry out job duties. Job coaching can include on-the-job training, assistance with developing workplace skills, and support for interacting with others in the workplace.

Job Modification

Refers to changes made to the work environment or to the way a job is performed, aimed at enabling an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Modifications can include altering work schedules, restructuring job duties, or providing specialized equipment.

Job Readiness Training

Programs or services designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for entry into the workforce. Training may focus on developing vocational skills, understanding workplace behavior, improving communication skills, and learning how to seek and maintain employment.

Job Restructuring

Modifying the job duties of a position to accommodate an employee with a disability. This could involve reallocating or redistributing non-essential job functions that the employee is unable to perform due to their disability.

Judicial Review

The process by which a court reviews the actions or decisions of a public or private entity to determine whether they comply with the law, including compliance with the ADA. This can involve reviewing decisions related to disability discrimination, accessibility complaints, and the provision of reasonable accommodations.

Justice Department

Refers to the United States Department of Justice, which plays a significant role in enforcing the ADA. The department investigates complaints, conducts compliance reviews, and may initiate legal action to correct violations of the Act.

L

Legal Blindness

A level of vision loss defined by law, typically as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the best possible correction, or a visual field that is 20 degrees or less. Individuals who are legally blind are protected under the ADA, which mandates accommodations in various settings to ensure accessibility and equal opportunities.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

A principle stemming from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. While IDEA focuses on educational settings, the concept of LRE aligns with the ADA’s goals of inclusion and accessibility in broader contexts.

Life Activities

Activities that are of central importance to daily life, including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and taking care of oneself. The ADA protects individuals whose disabilities substantially limit their ability to perform major life activities.

Limitation

In the context of disabilities, a limitation is a restriction or impairment that affects an individual’s ability to perform certain tasks or activities. The ADA requires reasonable accommodations to be made for individuals with disabilities to help them overcome these limitations in employment and public accommodations.

Litigation

The process of taking legal action or bringing a lawsuit. In the context of the ADA, litigation may involve cases where individuals or groups allege violations of their rights under the Act, such as discrimination based on disability or failure to provide required accommodations.

Local Government

Refers to municipal, city, county, or other local government bodies. The ADA applies to local governments, requiring them to make their programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Long-Term Disability

A condition that affects an individual’s ability to perform normal activities or work for an extended period. The ADA’s protections can apply to individuals with long-term disabilities, ensuring they have access to reasonable accommodations in the workplace and are not discriminated against based on their disability.

Low Vision

A term used to describe significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. People with low vision may be protected under the ADA, which may require accommodations to improve accessibility and allow them to participate fully in work, education, and other activities.

M

Mainstreaming

A principle in education that advocates for the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular classrooms and educational settings, whenever appropriate, to promote their interaction with non-disabled peers. It aligns with the ADA’s goals of integration and equal opportunity.

M

Major Life Activities

Fundamental activities that an individual performs in daily life, such as walking, talking, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, working, and learning. The ADA protects individuals whose disabilities substantially limit their ability to perform one or more of these activities.

Mediation

A voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps disputants to reach an agreement. The ADA encourages mediation as a means to resolve disputes regarding disability discrimination before resorting to litigation.

Medical Examination

Under the ADA, employers are restricted in their ability to require medical examinations. Such examinations must be job-related and consistent with business necessity, and they are generally only permitted after a job offer has been made.

Mental Impairment

A condition affecting the brain that can impact thoughts, emotions, memory, and decision-making processes. The ADA covers mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities, providing protections against discrimination.

Mobility Aid

Devices that assist individuals with disabilities in moving within their environment. Common mobility aids include wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches. The ADA requires public accommodations to be accessible to individuals using mobility aids.

Mobility Impairment

A disability that affects movement, ranging from slight difficulties to major challenges in moving limbs or other parts of the body. The ADA ensures that individuals with mobility impairments have access to public spaces, employment, and transportation that accommodate their needs.

Modification

Changes or adjustments made to policies, practices, procedures, or environments to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA, modifications are often necessary to provide equal access and opportunity in employment, public accommodations, and government services.

Multisensory Impairment

A condition affecting two or more senses, such as vision and hearing. Individuals with multisensory impairments may require specialized accommodations to access education, employment, and public services effectively.

Musculoskeletal Disorder

Conditions that affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Musculoskeletal disorders can be disabilities under the ADA if they substantially limit one or more major life activities.

N

No-Fault Attendance Policies

Policies that penalize employees for absences, regardless of the reason. Under the ADA, employers may need to modify such policies as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

Non-Discrimination

A fundamental principle of the ADA that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

Non-Essential Functions

Job tasks that are secondary or marginal to the primary duties of a position. The ADA focuses on the ability of an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Notice of Rights

Information provided to employees and other stakeholders about their rights and protections under various laws, including the ADA. Employers are required to post notices explaining the provisions of the ADA and how employees can file complaints of violations.

Notice Requirement

Under the ADA, the obligation of an individual with a disability to inform their employer about their disability and the need for a reasonable accommodation, in cases where the disability and/or the need is not obvious.

Non-Visible Disabilities

Disabilities that are not immediately apparent to others, also known as hidden or invisible disabilities. These can include chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, hearing impairments, and learning disabilities. The ADA protects individuals with non-visible disabilities against discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodations as necessary.

Neurodiversity

A concept and movement that recognizes and respects neurological differences as natural human variations. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. The ADA’s protections can be relevant for individuals who identify with neurodiversity in seeking accommodations and equal opportunities.

Neuromuscular Disorders

A broad category of disorders that affect the muscles and the nervous system that controls them. Examples include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and muscular dystrophy. Individuals with neuromuscular disorders are protected under the ADA, which may require accommodations to address mobility, communication, or other needs stemming from the disorder.

Norm-Referenced Tests

Assessment tools that compare an individual’s performance to that of a larger group. In the context of the ADA, care must be taken to ensure that tests used for employment or educational purposes do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and that accommodations are provided as needed.

O

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

A division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that enforces federal laws designed to protect the rights of individuals and prevent discrimination, including in areas related to the ADA and Rehabilitation Act.

Orthopedic Impairment

A disability that affects an individual’s ability to move or complete motor tasks, often due to conditions like cerebral palsy, amputations, fractures, or burns. The ADA ensures that individuals with orthopedic impairments receive necessary accommodations to fully participate in employment, education, and other areas of public life.

Out-of-Court Settlement

A resolution of a dispute or lawsuit outside of the courtroom, often through negotiation or mediation. Many ADA-related disputes are resolved through out-of-court settlements, where parties agree on measures to address accessibility or discrimination concerns.

Overtime Accommodation

Modifying overtime policies or providing alternative assignments as a reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability, when working overtime is not feasible due to the disability. Employers under the ADA are required to consider such accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

P

Physical Impairment

Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the body’s systems, such as the neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine systems.

Program Accessibility

The requirement under Title II of the ADA that programs, services, and activities provided by public entities must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This does not necessarily require physical accessibility of all facilities as long as the programs are made available to individuals with disabilities.

Prosthetic Devices

Artificial substitutes for body parts that may be lost through trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Prosthetic devices aim to restore a degree of normal function and appearance and may include devices such as artificial limbs.

Psychological Testing

Tests administered to evaluate the psychological and emotional functioning of individuals. Under the ADA, employers are limited in their ability to require psychological testing as a condition of employment, and any testing must be job-related and consistent with business necessity.

Public Accommodations

Private entities that own, lease, lease to, or operate facilities such as restaurants, retail stores, hotels, movie theaters, private schools, convention centers, doctors’ offices, homeless shelters, transportation depots, zoos, funeral homes, day care centers, and recreation facilities including sports stadiums and fitness clubs. Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.

Public Entity

Any state or local government and any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities. Title II of the ADA applies to public entities and requires that their services, programs, and activities be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Public Transportation

Transportation services provided to the public, including bus, rail, and paratransit services, under public or private ownership. The ADA requires public transportation services to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Personal Assistance Services (PAS)

Services provided to individuals with disabilities to assist them in daily living activities that they would typically perform if they did not have a disability. This may include help with tasks such as eating, toileting, dressing, and moving around.

R

Reasonable Accommodation

Modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enable a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Accommodations may include making existing facilities accessible, job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquiring or modifying equipment, providing readers or interpreters, and modifying examinations, training materials, or policies.

Reasonable Modification

Alterations to policies, practices, and procedures that allow individuals with disabilities to access and participate in programs, services, and activities. Reasonable modifications are required under the ADA unless they would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.

Reasonable Accommodation

An adjustment or modification provided by an employer to enable people with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities. Accommodations may include changes to the work environment, job restructuring, modified work schedules, or the provision of specialized equipment.

Reasonable Modification

Changes in policies, practices, or procedures that ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs, services, and activities offered by public entities or accommodations. Unlike reasonable accommodations in employment, these modifications often apply to access to public spaces and services.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973

A federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. The principles of this Act were a precursor to the ADA.

Rehabilitation Services

Services designed to facilitate the process of recovery from injury, illness, or disease to as normal a condition as possible. The goal is to enable individuals with disabilities to attain or return to their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, and/or social functional levels.

Reinstatement

The act of returning an employee to their previous position or a comparable one after they have been away for reasons related to a disability, including after taking leave for medical treatment or recovery.

Rights of Access

Refers to the entitlements individuals with disabilities have under the ADA to access and use public and private spaces, services, and programs without facing discrimination or barriers due to their disability.

Rollator

A type of walker with a seat and wheels that provides additional stability and mobility to individuals with walking difficulties. Access to public places and accommodations for individuals using rollators or other mobility aids is protected under the ADA.

Readily Achievable

A standard under the ADA requiring barrier removal in existing facilities to the extent that it is easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. What is considered readily achievable varies according to the resources of the entity.

Recreational Facilities

Includes a wide range of public and private facilities designed for leisure, sports, and exercise. The ADA requires that recreational facilities, such as pools, gyms, golf courses, and playgrounds, be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable Modification of Policies, Practices, and Procedures

An obligation under the ADA for public accommodations to modify their usual ways of doing things when necessary to accommodate people with disabilities, unless such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services provided.

S

Service Animal

Defined by the ADA as a dog (and in some cases, a miniature horse) that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Section 504

A part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Section 504 laid the groundwork for many of the principles and rights enshrined in the ADA.

Sensory Impairment

A disability that affects one or more of a person’s senses, including sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. The ADA requires accommodations to be made for individuals with sensory impairments to ensure their full participation in employment, education, and public accommodations.

Substantial Limitation

A restriction of the manner, condition, or duration under which an individual can perform a major life activity as compared to most people. This concept is central to the ADA’s definition of disability, focusing on the effects of the disability on normal life activities.

Self-Disclosure

The act of an individual revealing their disability to others, which can be a personal decision influenced by many factors. In the context of the ADA, self-disclosure is relevant in employment situations where an individual may request accommodations.

Structural Accessibility

Refers to the physical design and construction of buildings and environments to ensure that they can be accessed and used by people with disabilities. The ADA sets forth standards for accessible design in public accommodations and commercial facilities.

Supported Employment

A labor market approach that assists individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Supported employment often involves job coaching, workplace accommodations, and ongoing support to ensure that individuals with disabilities can work in integrated settings.

T

Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS)

A service that allows individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. TRS providers serve as intermediaries, translating between text and voice for the caller and the recipient. The ADA mandates the availability of TRS for individuals with communication disabilities.

Temporary Disability

A condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities for a short period. Under the ADA, individuals with temporary disabilities may not be covered unless the condition is part of a record of a substantial impairment or regarded as such.

Title I of the ADA

Addresses employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities equal opportunities to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others.

Title II of the ADA

Prohibits discrimination based on disability in all services, programs, and activities provided to the public by state and local governments. It mandates that the public sector offer services and programs in an accessible manner.

Title III of the ADA

Covers public accommodations and commercial facilities, requiring them to be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes a wide range of businesses such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, and retail stores.

Title IV of the ADA

Addresses telephone and television access for people with hearing and speech disabilities. It requires telecommunications companies to establish interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Transition Services

Services designed to facilitate the transition from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, employment, independent living, and community participation. These services are particularly important under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are supported by the ADA’s principles.

Tactile Warnings

Features incorporated into the environment, such as textured ground surfaces, to warn individuals with vision impairments of hazards or changes in the path of travel, such as pedestrian crossings or the edge of a train platform.

Transportation Accessibility

The ADA’s requirements that public transportation services, including buses and trains, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible vehicles, routes, and facilities.

W

Wheelchair Accessibility

Refers to the design and construction of buildings, spaces, and transportation that can be used easily by individuals who use wheelchairs. The ADA sets standards for wheelchair accessibility to ensure that individuals have access to public accommodations, employment, and transportation.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

A recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.

Work-Life Balance

The equilibrium between personal life and career work, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with disabilities. The ADA supports work-life balance through accommodations that may include flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, and leaves of absence for medical treatment or rehabilitation.

Workplace Accommodations

Modifications or adjustments to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process, that enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to get a job, perform job duties, or gain access to the benefits and privileges of employment. Workplace accommodations are a fundamental provision of the ADA.

Written Communication Aids

Tools or technologies that assist individuals with disabilities in communicating through written language. This can include software that translates speech to text, devices that aid those with manual dexterity issues, or communication boards used by individuals with speech impairments.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

A set of guidelines developed through the W3C process in response to the need for making the web accessible to people with disabilities. While not a legal requirement under the ADA, following WCAG is widely regarded as best practice in achieving digital accessibility.