Quick Facts About the Centers

Mission

The mission of the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers is to assist individuals and entities with rights and responsibilities under the ADA voluntarily and effectively comply with the act’s regulations.

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Goals

  • Promote successful implementation of the ADA by providing technical assistance and training on all titles of the act.
  • Increase public awareness about the benefits of ADA compliance.
  • Develop and support local and state affiliates who carry out the core functions.
  • Enhance existing national, regional, state and local ADA efforts.
  • Conduct outreach initiatives that target culturally diverse populations affected by the law.
  • Identify ADA issues for meaningful research and development.

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Core Services

The DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers:

  • Answer inquiries about the ADA via a national toll-free hotline – (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY).
    • ADA requirements are explained to anyone who contacts the centers, including entities with responsibilities and people with protection under the law. Complex questions are researched using regulations, policy letters, administrative rulings and other supporting materials and resources.
    • All calls are confidential and automatically routed to the center that serves the state where the call originates.
    • All calls are strictly confidential.
  • Distribute accurate and current information and materials to regional service areas through targeted mailings, regional print and electronic newsletters, Web sites, audio conferences, distance learning, e-mail distribution lists, conferences and exhibits.
  • Conduct customized education and training programs in a variety of formats with up-to-date information on the ADA and its implementation.
  • Provide referrals from an extensive resource database to experts for specialized assistance or information about state specific resources and programs.
  • Promote the ADA via an array of activities designed to increase awareness about the benefits of effective ADA compliance.

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General Information About the Centers

The DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers:

  • Have provided service to customers since 1991.
  • Have earned five-year competitive grant awards.
  • Exist within a variety of settings, including universities, private businesses, disability organizations and state governments.
  • Work closely with federal agencies responsible for interpreting and enforcing the ADA and establish long-standing relationships with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Access Board and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • Participate in regular meetings to maintain awareness of the latest ADA developments and collaborate toward common goals.
  • Receive in-depth training on developments in the ADA from DOJ, EEOC and the Access Board.

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Performance

The DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers has:

  • Responded to more than 940,000 ADA-related inquiries on the toll-free hotline – (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY).
  • Addressed more than 2 million requests for technical assistance and referrals.
  • Trained more than 930,000 people in 24,000 separate nationwide training sessions on all aspects of the ADA.
  • Distributed more than 12.7 million ADA-related materials, including 80,000 in alternate formats such as large print, audio tape, disk and foreign language.

* Includes information from the 2004 ADA Technical Assistance Program Report.

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Funding

The DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

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Disclaimer

The centers are authorized by NIDRR to provide information, materials and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the ADA. NIDRR is not responsible for the enforcement of the ADA. The information, materials and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informational guidance and are neither a determination of legal rights or responsibilities under the act, nor binding of any agency with enforcement responsibilities under the ADA.

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