Accomodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the law that requires nondiscriminatory policies in institutions that serve the public, whether publicly or privately owned. It seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded the same rights as other Americans. The ADA contains five titles. Pittsburgh Public Schools comes under Title II of the ADA. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title II in public elementary and secondary education systems.

Who is Protected Under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

• Persons with physical or mental impairments
• Persons with records of physical or mental impairments
• Persons regarded as having a disability
  
  

Persons Covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Students
• Parents/guardians
• Employees
• Parents, guardians, or family members attending school functions or activities
• Members of the community who wish to attend an activity that is open to the public

 

Compliance

In order to comply with Title II, the Pittsburgh Public School District:

• Must evaluate all programs, services, and activities to ensure nondiscriminatory policies and procedures
• Cannot discriminate in employment policies and practices
• Must create a plan to ensure that all programs, services, and activities in the Pittsburgh Public Schools are offered in at least one accessible facility
• Must provide alternatives to visual, aural, and oral communication for persons with disabilities
  
  

Examples of Programs, Services, and Activities Covered Include:

• Any program or activity conducted in facilities owned by the Pittsburgh Public School District
• Any PTA/PTO meeting, musical program, or public gathering in facilities owned by the Pittsburgh Public School District
• All aspects of the employment relationship services carried out by external or internal contractors
• After-school activities and social events
• Classroom activities or field trips
• All services provided for students and staff

Individuals requesting an accommodation may do so via the ADA Request for Accommodation Form. To request an accommodation form, or for more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact the Employee Relations Office:

Employee Relations, Office of Human Resources                          
412-529-3627 (Voice/TTY/TTD)
341 S. Bellefield Avenue – Room 139
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

 ADA Compliance Policy and Form