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TextAccessibility in Fairfax County
Fairfax County is committed to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government facilities, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. A place of public accommodation includes restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, day care centers, etc. Fairfax County residents with a disability are entitled to common features of accessibility when visiting a county facility, program or event, and areas of public accommodation.
Every organization that offers services to the public is prohibited from discriminating against a person because of his/her disability. The ADA sets physical accessibility standards to public and private facilities offering goods or services to the public. Generally, these standards apply to buildings that were constructed or modified after 1990.
When access to a public accommodation has been denied, the ADA provides a complaint procedure to eliminate any possible discrimination. If you feel you have been discriminated against, or have noticed a business that does not appear to be accessible for people with disabilities, there are several options you may want to consider. The list of options may be found under the section “Sources for Assistance” included on this website.
Sources for Assistance
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Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)
enforces building code requirements in new construction and in building
renovations. Many building code provisions include accessibility
features for people with disabilities, but DPWES does NOT enforce the
civil rights provisions of the ADA. More information about
DPWES’ role in ensuring that buildings in Fairfax County are accessible
to people with disabilities.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs, Human
Rights Division enforces civil rights laws including the
ADA in private facilities and businesses within the county. Also,
enforces provisions of the ADA in Fairfax County Government. If you
feel that you have been discriminated against of your disability by a
private business or organization or you have been denied acces to a
county service or physical access to a county facility contact
703-324-2953, TTY 703-324-2900.
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Department of Family Services’ Disability Services Planning &
Development promotes the self-sufficiency and well-being of people
with disabilities through advocacy, education, and solution management
so that people of all abilities can fully participate in our
community. Provides additional guidance on the ADA as well as
assistance with advocacy strategies and ways to follow up on
discrimination complaints. Visit their web site or
call 703-324-5421 (voice) or 703-449-1186 (TTY).
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Library Access Services
removes barriers to library services for people with disabilities.
Services include:
- providing opportunities to learn about assistive technology and equipment,
- providing books in alternative formats to people with vision impairments and
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delivering books to readers who cannot visit a local library.
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Department of Transportation maintains the
Sidewalk Accessibility Program. Request to have a
curb ramp installed.
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Fairfax Connector
Wheelchair Access - All Fairfax Connector busses are
wheelchair lift-equipped.
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Circuit Court ADA
Accomodations
- The United States Department of Justice is the Federal Agency charged with enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act. More information about what the DOJ can do for you. To file a complaint with DOJ, visit their web site or, call 1-800-514-0301, TTY 1-800-514-0383.
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