Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinators & Compliance
Labor Relations/ADA Coordinator
Deborah Strickland
Director of Labor Relations
850-245-0581
Introduction to the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin – and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- the ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities.
Additional ADA Information
Agencies below provide informal guidance in understanding and complying with different provisions of the ADA.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ)
Department of Justice offers technical assistance on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and other ADA provisions applying to businesses, non-profit service agencies, and state and local government programs; also provides information on how to file ADA complaints.
DOJ ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383 (TDD)
Internet address http://www.ada.gov/
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers technical assistance on the ADA provisions applying to employment; also provides information on how to file ADA complaints.
Employment – questions: 800-669-4000 (voice) 800-669-6820 (TDD)
Employment – documents: 800-669-3362 (voice) 800-800-3302 (TDD)
Internet address http://www.eeoc.gov
Access Board
Access Board, or Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, offers technical assistance on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
Documents and questions: 800-872-2253 (voice) 800-993-2822 (TDD)
Internet address: http://www.access-board.gov/
FDOE Contacts & Resources
Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS)
850-245-0475 / http://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/
The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities. Additionally, the bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to students with special needs.
Division of Blind Services
1-800-342-1828 / http://dbs.myflorida.com/
The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. To apply for services you must first download and complete the Application for Services Form and submit it to your nearest Division of Blind Services office.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
1-800-451-4327 / http://www.rehabworks.org/
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Advocacy & Other Resources
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
A service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, JAN provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
ADA National Network
Funded through DBTAC grants from U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, this site provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, tailored to meet the needs of business, government, and individuals.
Southeast ADA Center
Information, Training and Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Ability First
Ability1st, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, is a community-based non-profit organization that provides services to persons with varying disabilities. Ability1st serves Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties.