Libraries and Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, with additional amendments in 2009. This landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations, including libraries.The primary government resource on the ADA is www.ada.gov. Title II of the law applies to municipal and state-funded libraries. Title III of the law applies to businesses and non-profits, including association libraries.

Some resources about the ADA's effect on library buildings and services:

• ASGCLA, the Association of Specialized, Government and Cooperative Library Agencies, promotes a policy on Library Services for People with Disabilities.
• ALA's Accessibility Assembly provides toolkits for “Library Accessibility – What You Need to Know.” Each of the fifteen+ toolkits provide resources for working with special audiences, such as children with disabilities, staff with disabilities, blindness and low vision, learning differences, and mental health issues.
• The CLA ADA Committee maintains a page of resources and websites related to disabilities.

• ADA - Laws, Regulations and Standards  - An overview of the law and associated regulations from the U.S. Department of Justice
• ADA Guidance and Resources - A list of resources for people with disabilities, state and local governments, and businesses.
• New England ADA Center - A regional resource for information, guidance, and training related to ADA.
• ADA Coalition of Connecticut - devoted to educating individuals with disabilities, businesses, and governmental entities about the ADA.
• ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments (2010) - A handbook produced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
• ADA Title II Action Guide - An overview of what Title II of ADA is and how to implement its requirements.
• The Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston can review your construction or renovation plans with an eye toward accessibility for all.
• You can also remove barriers to access in your current facility with this checklist from the Institute for Human Centered Design.
• This booklet of Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the ADA National Network includes several pages of information about "public accommodations," including libraries.
• The ADA National Network also has a longer Disability Law Handbook with further information. Shorter Fact Sheets focus on subjects of Effective Communication, Service Animals, Wheelchairs, Overview of 2010 Standards of Design, and Accessible Parking.
• A Technical Assistance Manual explains in plain language what non-profit agencies must do to ensure access to their goods, services, and facilities. Many examples are provided.
• The Department of Justice created an illustrated update for small businesses that includes much information applicable to libraries.

By integrating concepts of Universal Design into your library, you can ensure that buildings and services can be used by the broadest number of people. Check out these resources:

• Equal Access: Universal Design of Libraries - A checklist for making libraries welcoming, accessible, and usable
• The Institute for Human Centered Design is dedicated to enhancing the experiences of people of all ages and abilities through excellence in design.

Library staff often have questions about service animals: What is a service animal versus comfort/emotional support animal versus therapy animal? Do I have to let them in? What can I say to the owner? What can I do if the animal behaves badly?

Here are some resources for learning more about service animals.

See also the Sample Policies/Procedures related to Service Animals, and be sure to update your library's policy.