ADA Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to Frederick County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact the Frederick County Citizen Services Division, 301-600-1454 (for MD Relay – TTY numbers are 711 or 1-800-735-2258) or email as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.

Overview

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, to provide persons with disabilities civil rights protections ensuring accessibility to services, programs and activities to enable participation in all aspects of community life. The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation.

It also mandates the establishment of TDD / telephone relay services. The principle areas of the ADA are as follows:

• Accessibility
  Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines were adopted to ensure access to new construction and renovations. Barrier removal efforts are mandated for older construction that are readily available and does not provide an undue hardship. However, very few establishments can claim undue hardships or barriers that are not readily achievable. Tax credits are available for barrier removal.
• Transportation
  All public transportation, such as buses and trains, must be accessible. In addition, curb to curb transportation is mandated for eligible persons who live within ¾ mile of a fixed route services. Private providers must also provide access in their mainline services or in a parallel service.
• Education
  Access to all educational programs offered by public education entities receiving federal or state financial assistance. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act protects the rights for students with disabilities to obtain free and appropriate education.
• Housing
  Access to public housing and related services. The Fair Housing Amendments Act provides guidance on access within multi-family dwellings.
• Employment
  Access to Employment. Title I of the ADA prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Medical
  Access to medical care and health insurance.

For more information on the ADA, visit the ADA website or contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA information Center at 1-800-949-4232 V / TTY.