ADA Frequently Asked Questions

Category: General

Does the ADA apply to emergency preparedness plans and policies?

In general, yes. The ADA prohibits disability discrimination in the programs, services and activities of covered entities like businesses, nonprofits, state and local governments. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to provide equal opportunity to employees with disabilities. If an entity has plans or policies around emergency preparedness, these should be designed in a way that complies with the ADA and does not deny people with disabilities equal access to aids, benefits, services, etc. For example:

• Title I – An employer could request all new employees to voluntarily disclose any accommodations or assistance they would need during an emergency and follow up on requests using the ADA’s interactive process.
• Title II – State and local governments should ensure that the emergency information provided on their website complies with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the ADA’s technical standard for web content and mobile apps.
• Title III – A nonprofit providing temporary shelter to their community during a crisis should have policies that comply with the ADA requirements for service animals.

Resource(s):

• Employment Supports: Emergency Preparedness - Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
• Obtaining and Using Employee Medical Information as Part of Emergency Evacuation Procedures - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Emergency Preparedness Resources - ADA National Network (ADANN)