The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. If you experience disability discrimination, you can file a complaint with different federal agencies depending on the context: the EEOC for employment, the Department of Justice (DOJ) for public accommodations and government services, and the Department of Education for schools.
17 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Identify the type of discrimination — Determine which ADA title applies:
- Title I: Employment discrimination (hiring, firing, promotions, reasonable accommodations)
- Title II: State and local government services (public transit, government buildings, programs)
- Title III: Public accommodations (businesses, restaurants, hotels, stores, theaters)
- Document the discrimination — Record dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved, and any witnesses. Keep copies of relevant communications, policies, and denials of accommodation.
- Request a reasonable accommodation (if applicable) — For employment or services, formally request the specific accommodation you need in writing. The employer or entity must engage in an "interacti...
- File your complaint with the appropriate agency:
- Employment (Title I) File a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC online at publicportal.eeoc.gov, by mail, or in person at your local EEOC office. Deadline: 180 days (300 days if your state has its own agency).
- Government services (Title II) File a complaint with the DOJ Civil Rights Division online at ada.gov/file-a-complaint, by email at ada.complaint@usdoj.gov, or by mail. Deadline: 180 days.
- Public accommodations (Title III) File with the DOJ using the same methods as Title II.
2. Key Details
- ADA covers employers with 15+ employees
- Disability definition is broad: physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity
- Reasonable accommodations: modified schedules, assistive technology, physical modifications, job restructuring, leave, telework
- Undue hardship defense: employers can deny accommodations that cause significant difficulty or expense
- Service animals must be allowed in public accommodations
- Websites and digital services are increasingly covered under ADA (web accessibility)
- ADA information line: 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY)
Common Mistakes
- Not making the accommodation request in writing
- Filing with the wrong agency
- Missing the 180-day deadline
- Not engaging in the interactive process before filing a complaint
- Assuming all disabilities are visible — invisible disabilities (mental health...
Pro Tips
- Use the ADA National Network (adata.org) for free information and guidance on...
- Call the ADA information line (1-800-514-0301) before filing for guidance on ...
- State disability laws often provide additional protections beyond the ADA
- The interactive process is key — document every communication about your acco...
- Retaliation for requesting accommodations or filing complaints is separately ...