ADA - General
What is audio/visual description and do I need to provide this?
Public entities and private businesses have responsibilities under the ADA to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities. Description of visually presented materials is considered an auxiliary aid or service.
If we have hand-outs at our seminar do they all have to be in Braille?
Material in an accessible format, such as Braille, is an example of an auxiliary aid that can be provided on an as-needed basis. However, knowing your audience is key.
Promotional and registration materials for the seminar should include and explain how the public may request a particular auxiliary aid or service. This information should include contact information and a deadline for requesting individualized accommodations to ensure there is enough time to order or produce the Braille materials.
I am hosting an event at a hotel. Who is responsible for providing wheelchair access to the stage?
Both the hotel and the public entity or private business renting the hotel meeting space have responsibilities under the ADA to ensure that everyone regardless of disability has an equal opportunity to enjoy the services and facilities offered by your event.
If the hotel provides temporary stages or raised platforms, they must make these temporary elements accessible to people with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue administrative or financial burden.
We are providing meals at our conference. An attendee said she has food allergies. Do we need to have a special meal prepared for her?
In order to be viewed as a disability under the ADA, an impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activities. An individual's major life activities of respiratory or neurological functioning may be substantially limited by allergies or sensitivity to a degree that he or she is a person with a disability. For example this may include an individual with severe nut allergies, the symptoms of which may include difficulty swallowing and breathing.