Your Rights Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in many areas of life. If you are living in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, or Louisiana, the ADA applies to you and helps ensure equal access, opportunity, and protection against discrimination. At the American Disability Action Group, our Arkansas & Nationwide Attorneys are committed to helping individuals understand their rights and advocate for themselves effectively under this powerful law.
Employment Protections
Title I of the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment. This applies to job applicants and current employees working for private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as state and local governments.
Employers in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Examples of accommodations include modifying work schedules, providing assistive technology, or adjusting job duties. It is your right to request accommodations without fear of retaliation or discrimination.
Access to Public Services and Transportation
Title II of the ADA applies to state and local governments, requiring that all public programs, services, and activities be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes everything from public schools and libraries to courthouses and transit systems.
In all six states—Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana—public transportation systems are required to be ADA-compliant. This means buses must have lifts or ramps, paratransit services must be available for those unable to use standard routes, and communication must be accessible for people with vision or hearing impairments.
Public Accommodations
Under Title III, the ADA requires businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public to make their facilities accessible. This includes hotels, restaurants, stores, movie theaters, private schools, and more.
For example, a restaurant in Mississippi must provide accessible parking, entryways, and restrooms for patrons with mobility issues. Likewise, a retail store in Texas must allow service animals to accompany customers with disabilities and provide accessible checkout counters. If you are denied access or accommodations, you have the right to file a complaint.
Telecommunications Access
Title IV of the ADA ensures that people with hearing or speech disabilities can communicate effectively over the telephone. Relay services are available in all states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana. These services are designed to provide equivalent telephone communication, and businesses must accept relay calls just as they would any other call.
How to Enforce Your Rights
If you believe your ADA rights have been violated, you have the right to take action. This might include filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or seeking help from a legal advocate.
At the American Disability Action Group, we support individuals across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana in understanding and asserting their ADA rights. If you have questions or believe you’ve experienced discrimination, contact us today for guidance and support.