A state or local government agency, also known as a public entity, may not deny the benefits of its programs, activities, and services to individuals with disabilities because its facilities are physically inaccessible.
A public entity’s services, programs, and activities, WHEN VIEWED IN THEIR ENTIRETY, must be readily accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities. This standard applies to all existing facilities of a public entity.
Public entities are not necessarily required to make all of their existing facilities accessible.
Methods for Providing Program Access
Nonstructural Changes: Acquisition or redesign of equipment, assignment of aides, provision of services at alternate accessible sites, modification to policies, practices, and procedures.
Structural Changes: Alterations of existing facilities and acquisition of construction of new accessible facilities.
When choosing a method of providing program access, a public entity must give priority to the one that results in the most integrated setting appropriate to encourage interaction among all users, including individuals with disabilities.