Northwest ADA Center

10/20/2026

Election Day is right around the corner! Did you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to voting?

Under Title II of the ADA, state and local governments must ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in voting programs.

This includes:

♿ Accessible facilities: Voting locations must be accessible to voters with disabilities.

🗳️ Accessible voting equipment: Voters with disabilities must have an opportunity to vote privately and independently.

💬 Effective communication: Election officials must provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services when needed to ensure effective communication.

🤝 Reasonable modifications: Election officials must make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures when necessary to provide equal access.

Voting procedures vary by state, but accessibility is an important part of ensuring equal participation in elections.

Learn more about accessible voting and the ADA from the U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.ada.gov/topics/voting/

Information for election officials make polling places accessible as well as for people with disabilities about how the ADA protects their right to vote.

09/10/2026

Did you know there are 10 regional ADA Centers across the United States?

The ADA National Network provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act through 10 regional ADA Centers. Services are available to people with disabilities, businesses, employers, state and local governments, and others with questions about the ADA.

The Northwest ADA Center serves Region 10, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Find your regional ADA Center and explore ADA resources: https://adata.org/find-your-region/

09/08/2026

What is a reasonable accommodation?

Under Title I of the ADA, a reasonable accommodation is a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified person with a disability to participate in the hiring process, perform the essential functions of a job, or have equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations vary depending on the individual's disability-related needs and the job duties. Examples may include modified work schedules, changes to equipment or workspaces, accessible technology, or changes to how work is performed.

Learn more about reasonable accommodations and the ADA:

This is an introductory guide about the reasonable accommodation process. Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state anti-discrimination laws, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. These laws hel...

09/03/2026

What does the Northwest ADA Center do?

The Northwest ADA Center provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to people throughout Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Have a question about the ADA? Our team provides free technical assistance to help people understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Call your regional ADA Center at 1-800-949-4232 or email us questions at [email protected]

09/01/2026

What does the ADA cover?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas of public life.

The ADA addresses disability discrimination in areas including employment, state and local government programs and services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

Whether you're an employee, employer, business owner, government agency, or person with a disability, understanding the ADA can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities.

Learn more about the ADA:

The Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments leads public entities such as municipalities, counties and state governments, through a process to compliance with the ADA.

08/27/2026

What's the difference between a reasonable accommodation and a reasonable modification?

You may hear both terms when talking about the ADA, but they're generally used in different contexts.

A reasonable accommodation refers to changes or adjustments in the employment context that allow a qualified person with a disability to participate in the hiring process, perform their job, or have equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment.

A reasonable modification generally refers to changes to policies, practices, or procedures that may be necessary to provide equal access to programs, services, or businesses outside of the employment context.

The terminology may be different, but both concepts are an important part of ensuring equal access under the ADA.

Learn more:

Welcome to our new site! Some pages may still have layout quirks from the migration. Original site available at https://archive.adata.org

08/25/2026

Resource Spotlight: Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Have questions about workplace accommodations? The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free resource that provides information and guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

JAN's website includes accommodation ideas organized by disability, limitation, and work-related function, as well as resources about the ADA reasonable accommodation process.

Explore JAN's resources:

If you are looking for information on job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act or Rehabilitation Act, or topics related to disability employment, see the listings below for various topics covered by JAN.

08/20/2026

Do service animals need to be certified?

No. The ADA does not require service animals to be certified, registered, or carry identification.

Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. There is no federally recognized ADA certification or registration requirement for service animals.

Learn more about service animals and the ADA:

Various state and federal laws define service animals and protect the rights of people with disabilities who use them. This guide addresses some of the frequently asked questions that we receive at the Northwest ADA Center.

07/16/2026

Join us on July 21 for the next webinar in the Oregon ADA Celebration Series!

ADA: How Far We've Come and What Comes Next
📅 July 21, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM–1:00 PM PT
💻 Free virtual event

More than 35 years after the ADA was signed into law, accessibility and inclusion continue to evolve. This session will examine the ADA's impact on employment, education, transportation, and public life while exploring the ongoing gap between legal rights and lived experiences. Two lawyers with disabilities will discuss current challenges, opportunities, and what the future of disability rights may hold.

Accessibility features include ASL interpretation, Spanish interpretation, live captions, and additional accommodations available upon request. Email: [email protected]

Register today: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bub2dMMkS-eM07XUt1TCxQ?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery #/registration

To learn more about the panelists and explore the full webinar series, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/pages/ada-celebration.aspx