Disability Resource Group
Title III in a Nutshell with Advocacy Suggestions:
The Americans with Disabilities Act Requires:
No discrimination against people just because they have a disability. If you offer something to people without disabilities, you must also offer it to people with disabilities.
Equally Effective Communication:
If you say something in print, or verbally, you must make sure it is also understood by people who cannot read print or hear spoken words, or cannot understand complicated language.
Physical Access:
You must figure out how to provide access to your goods or services for people with disabilities either by building features such as ramps, or having staff take goods and services to the individual.
*No business or agency is too small to have these requirements. No business or agency is grandfathered. The oldest building in town must figure out how to make its goods or services accessible. For information on how this may be accomplished check out www.access-board.gov or call the Disability Resource Group at 770 451-2340.
Suggested Steps for Achieving ADA Compliance:
Give the business owner written materials about the ADA and business.
Check one month later and if nothing has happened, write a letter about your concerns with a copy to the headquarters.
One month later, ask advocate at Georgia Advocacy Office (800 537-2329) to write a letter to business.
One month later, gather at least ten community members, with and without disabilities to go to business owner for discussion.
One month later, if still nothing has happened, explore these options:
a. File a complaint with the U. S. Department of Justice
b. Contact an ADA attorney
c. Conduct a letter writing campaign to key local officials, media, and civic leaders with letters from at least twenty- five concerned citizens.
This handout is for brevity’s sake, very simplified and is not a legal opinion. For more details, call us at 770 451-2340.
