DOJ Claims Maine is Out of Compliance with ADA

Background

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released a report claiming that the state of Maine is out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The DOJ's report found that Maine has failed to provide equal access to people with disabilities in a number of areas, including: * Employment * Housing * Transportation * Public accommodations

Employment

The DOJ's report found that Maine has failed to provide equal access to employment for people with disabilities. Specifically, the report found that Maine has: * Failed to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities * Discriminated against employees with disabilities in hiring and firing decisions * Failed to promote employees with disabilities

Housing

The DOJ's report also found that Maine has failed to provide equal access to housing for people with disabilities. Specifically, the report found that Maine has: * Failed to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities * Discriminated against tenants with disabilities in housing decisions * Failed to enforce fair housing laws

Transportation

The DOJ's report also found that Maine has failed to provide equal access to transportation for people with disabilities. Specifically, the report found that Maine has: * Failed to provide accessible public transportation * Discriminated against people with disabilities in transportation decisions * Failed to enforce transportation laws

Public Accommodations

The DOJ's report also found that Maine has failed to provide equal access to public accommodations for people with disabilities. Specifically, the report found that Maine has: * Failed to provide reasonable accommodations for customers with disabilities * Discriminated against customers with disabilities in public accommodations * Failed to enforce public accommodations laws

The DOJ's Recommendations

The DOJ's report concludes by making a number of recommendations for how Maine can come into compliance with the ADA. These recommendations include: * Amending state laws to ensure that they comply with the ADA * Implementing policies and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to employment, housing, transportation, and public accommodations * Providing training to state employees on the ADA * Enforcing the ADA through investigations and enforcement actions

Conclusion

The DOJ's report is a reminder that states have a responsibility to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of society. Maine has a lot of work to do to come into compliance with the ADA, but the DOJ's recommendations provide a roadmap for how the state can improve its compliance efforts.