Department of Justice
ADA Enforcement
Through lawsuits and settlement agreements, the Department of Justice has achieved greater access for individuals with disabilities in hundreds of cases. Under general rules governing lawsuits brought by the Federal government, the Department of Justice may not sue a party unless negotiations to settle the dispute have failed.
The Department of Justice may file lawsuits in federal court to enforce the ADA, and courts may order compensatory damages and back pay to remedy discrimination if the Department prevails. Under title III, the Department of Justice may also obtain civil penalties of up to $50,000 for the first violation and $100,000 for any subsequent violation.
Status Reports
Settlements Press Releases
How to File Complaints
Mediation Program
ADA Litigation Project
Status Reports
The Department of Justice issues quarterly status reports that cover selected ADA activities of the Department. Copies may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line. You may also download an ASCII text version of each status report.
The following status reports are available:
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, April 1994
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, April-June 1994
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, July-September 1994
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, October-December 1994
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, January-March 1995
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, April-September 1995
Enforcing the ADA, Fifth Anniversary Status Report
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, October 1995-March 1996
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, April-June 1996
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, July-September 1996Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, October-December 1996
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, January-March 1997 (text format)
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, April-June 1997 (text format)
Enforcing the ADA, A Status Report, July - September 1997
Information about the Department of Justice ADA Mediation Program
How to File Complaints
Complaints about violations of title I (employment) by units of State and local government or by private employers should be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Call 800-669-4000 (voice) or 800-669-6820 (TDD) to reach the field office in your area.
Complaints about violations of title II by units of State and local government or violations of title III by public accommodations and commercial facilities (private businesses and non-profit service providers) should be filed with the Department of Justice. Please send complaints to:
Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Post Office Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035-6738
You may also call the ADA Information Line to ask about filing a complaint with the Department of Justice and to order forms that can assist you in providing information about the violation.
