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Americans With Disabilities Act and Civil Rights

Resources and Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Civil Rights

DAIL is committed to providing resources and information to Vermonters about this important law. This page has been created so important information about the Americans with Disabilities Act would be in one place.  

“…on July 26, 1990, our Nation moved closer to the fulfillment of its foundational promise when we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  This landmark law affirms and protects the fundamental rights of people with disabilities -- the right to equal opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and equitable participation in every aspect of American life.  For more than three decades, the ADA has made our communities, our economy, and our country stronger and more vibrant.  It has helped to uphold the dignity of the estimated 61 million Americans who live with a disability -- in short, it is a triumph of American civil rights” (Proclamation No. 10270 of September 30, 2021).

Links to Resources:

Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. How to file a complaint through the ADA

The purpose of this policy is to state the Agency of Human Services and its departments prohibition against discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, marital/familial status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy status, place of birth, crime victim status, military, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status, in the administration of our programs, services, and activities. This policy also establishes the complaint/grievance process to follow in the event of a claim of discrimination other than those lodged by employees.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

Toll Free: (800) ADA-WORK [(800)232-9675]

The NE ADA Center is not an enforcement or regulatory agency but is a resource for answering questions.

Toll-Free: 1-800-949-4232 (voice)

Phone: 1-617-695-0085 (voice)

Information on how the ADA applies to service animals. Read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Since May 4, 1977 Vermont law has required that new construction, additions and alterations in public buildings be accessible to people with disabilities. The Division of Fire Safety enforces the Vermont Access Rules, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines. The ADA guidelines generally do not apply to existing facilities except where altered. Facilities built or altered according to earlier versions of the ADA or Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards may not necessarily have to meet the updated version except where they are subsequently altered or renovated.

​Disability Rights Vermont (DRVT) works with Vermonters to protect the rights of people with disabilities. DRVT's mission is to promote equality, dignity and self-determination of people with disabilities.

​"People with disabilities working together for dignity, independence and civil rights".

CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Below is a list of the major civil rights laws and associated regulations. These laws and regulations each prohibit specific types of discrimination. If you need help obtaining a copy of these laws, please contact the Consumers Concerns Team listed above. There may be other nondiscrimination protections beyond this list:

  1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et Seq., 28 C.F.R. Part 35)

 2.  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29U.S.C. 794, 45 C.F.R. Part 84) 

 3. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d et Seq., 45 C.F.R. Part 80)

 4. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., 45 C.F.R. Part 86) 

 5. Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 u.s:c. 6101 et Seq., 42 C.F.R. Part 91) 

 6. Public Accommodations (9 V.S.C. 4501 et. seq.)