Section 210 of the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) protects members of the public who are qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensures access to public services, programs, activities, or places of public accommodation in legislative branch facilities. The following entities are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their dealings with the public:
- Each office of the House of Representatives and the Senate (including all offices of Members of Congress, district and state offices, committees, and joint committees);
- Capitol Police;
- Congressional Budget Office;
- Office of the Architect of the Capitol (including Botanic Garden);
- Office of the Attending Physician;
- Office of Congressional Workplace Rights;
- Office of Technology Assessment;
- Library of Congress,
- John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development;
- China Review Commission;
- Congressional-Executive China Commission; and
- Helsinki Commission
The OCWR provides numerous resources to help employing offices meet their responsibilties under the CAA including:
Tips for Improving Office Accessibility
Individuals who feel their rights under this provision have been violated can file a charge of discrimination with the General Counsel of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights. This charge must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. After a charge is filed, the General Counsel will conduct an investigation. If the investigation of the alleged discrimination reveals that a violation may have occurred, the General Counsel may either request mediation to resolve the dispute and/or file a formal complaint before a hearing officer with the OCWR.
At least once each Congress, the General Counsel is required to inspect and report to Congress on the compliance of the legislative branch with the CAA’s requirements regarding access to public services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. See the latest report.
This is only a brief description of the public’s right to services and accommodations under the CAA. For complete information on the rights, procedures, and remedies established by the CAA, refer to the Congressional Accountability Act (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) and Procedural Rules.
To request an ADA inspection or to file a charge of discrimination, please use this form. You may drop off the completed form at the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, mail the form to the OCWR, fax it to 202-426-1913, or email it to adaaccess@ocwr.gov. The office is located at 110 Second Street, SE, John Adams Building, Room LA 200, Washington, DC 20540-1999.