ADA Frequently Asked Questions
Category: General
Question: #11
Where can I use a wheelchair, scooter, powerchair or other manual mobility aid?
Answer:
ADA Titles II and III require that wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids be allowed in any covered areas open to pedestrian use, absent a fundamental alteration or direct threat.
Wheelchairs are defined as manually-operated or power-driven devices designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor, or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.
Manually-powered mobility aids include walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by people with mobility disabilities.
In some instances, there may be policies put in place by the entity that address specific safety concerns related to these devices:
The ADA requires an individualized analysis to determine direct threat. Therefore, blanket policies should be avoided:
Resource(s):
Wheelchairs are defined as manually-operated or power-driven devices designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor, or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.
Manually-powered mobility aids include walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by people with mobility disabilities.
In some instances, there may be policies put in place by the entity that address specific safety concerns related to these devices:
- Example: Wheelchairs may be searched when used by visitors at a correctional facility to screen for prohibited items.
The ADA requires an individualized analysis to determine direct threat. Therefore, blanket policies should be avoided:
- Example: A nursing home cannot implement a blanket ban against power scooters but may set general safety requirements around their use, such as limiting the speed in common areas.
Resource(s):
