Accessible Facilities
The ADA and Emergency Shelters
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) generally requires shelters to provide equal access to:
the many benefits that shelters provide
including safety, food, services, comfort, information, a place to sleep until it is safe to return home
the support and assistance of family, friends, and neighbors
Source: https://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap7shelterchk.htm
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Violation to Met Accessibility
Laura Martin, the plaintiff, was rejected from more than one shelter because she has difficulty walking
She has rheumatoid arthritis so a result cannot climb stairs or walk for more than one block at a time
After she requested help from the city’s shelter system, it took 3 nights to find her a place she could stay
What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation (RA) is a change to a system so that a person with a disability can get the services they need.
Government agencies like the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) must adjust their rules and procedures so people with disabilities can have equal access.
*Click on the above text to have access to the ADA standards.
Left image from:
Section N. :
Health Units/Medical Care Areas
An overhead view of a medical care area with a shaded pathway showing the accessible route shown and clear floor spaces.
These health care facilities should be on an accessible route and have accessible features, including:
an accessible entrance,
an accessible route to the different types of services offered within the medical care unit