Employment FAQ
- Are there laws that protect people with disabilities against employment discrimination?
- How does the ADA affect people with disabilities in the employment process?
- Am I, as an applicant, protected from discrimination or only after I get the job?
- Am I protected from disciplinary action by an employer for asserting my rights under the ADA?
- How do I know if I am protected under the ADA?
- What if I need some accommodations in the workplace in order to do my job?
- What are some examples of accommodations?
- Is there an organization I can contact or my employer can contact to get more information about job accommodations?
- I am receiving SSI/SSDI. Will employment affect the amount of money I get from Social Security?
- Is there an organization I should contact about Social Security in Northern Virginia?
- I saw a job announcement, and I want to apply for the job. How should I go about that?
- What rehabilitation services can I get in Virginia to help me get a job?
- Are there any Vocational Rehabilitation Programs in Virginia?
- What are some resources in Virginia and/or Northern Virginia area for people with my specific disability?
- What is sheltered employment?
- What are some sheltered employment programs in northern Virginia?
- How can I apply for a job with the government?
- What are some websites that I can use to look for employment?
- What organizations can I contact if I have a discrimination or advocacy complaint?
Updated August 2010
Q. Are there laws that protect people with disabilities against employment discrimination?
A. Yes, the main ones follow:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
- Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others. It prohibits discrimination in many different areas of employment and restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made. It also requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship.
- Title II prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by state and local governments regardless of their size. Title II also prohibits discrimination by public transportation services.
- Title III covers entities that provide public accommodation (e.g., restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, etc.).
- Title IV covers telephone and television communication which includes a Relay service in each state.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (As Amended)
- The Rehab Act prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the federal sector, programs conducted by federal agencies, programs that receive funding from the federal government, and employment practices of federal contractors.
The Ticket to Work & Work Incentive Improvement Act
- This Act modernizes the employment services system for people with disabilities so they do not have to choose between working and having health care. This legislation created the Ticket to Work Program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
There may be more laws enacted by the state in which you live. ECNV suggests that you contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL, find yours at www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html) or your state’s rehabilitation agency for more information about your state.
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Q. How does the ADA affect people with disabilities in the employment process?
A. The ADA protects you from discrimination in all employment practices, including: job application procedures, hiring, firing, training, pay, promotion, benefits, and leave. You also have a right to be free from harassment because of your disability, and you have a right to request a reasonable accommodation for the hiring process and on the job.
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Q. Am I, as an applicant, protected from discrimination or only after I get the job?
A. Employment discrimination is prohibited against "qualified individuals with disabilities." And this includes both applicants for employment and employees.
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Q. Am I protected from disciplinary action by an employer for asserting my rights under the ADA?
A. Yes, you are. An employer may not fire or discipline you for asserting your rights under the ADA.
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Q. How do I know if I am protected under the ADA?
A. To be protected, you must be a qualified individual with a disability. This means that you must have a disability as defined by the ADA. This means you must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, thinking, walking, breathing, or performing manual tasks. You also must be able to do the job you want or were hired to do, with or without reasonable accommodation.
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Q. What if I need some accommodations in the workplace in order to do my job?
A. An employer must make reasonable accommodations for you according to the ADA. A reasonable accommodation is a modification of a job, job site or way in which a job is done that allows a person with a disability to have equal access to all aspects of work. Reasonable accommodation also assures that a qualified individual with a disability has the same rights and privileges in employment as employees without disabilities.
Accommodations can be high-tech (e.g., voice dictation software), low-tech (e.g., a simple switch or button to allow an employee to use a computer mouse), or no-tech (e.g., a pencil grip). Accommodations do not always have to involve technology. An accommodation can be something as simple as rearranging the furniture in an office.
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Q. What are some examples of accommodations?
A. Examples of some accommodations are (this, in no way, is meant to be an all-encompassing list):
- Physical changes, such as installing a ramp or modifying a workspace or restroom.
- Sign language interpreters for people who are deaf
- Readers for people who are blind.
- Providing a quieter workspace or making other changes to reduce noisy distractions for someone with a mental disability.
- Providing written materials in an accessible format, such as in Braille, on audiotape, or on computer disk for non-print readers
- TTY/telephone use with people who are deaf which will include the deaf employee’s supervisor having full time access to a TTY.
- Speech output software for use by blind persons required to access a computer.
- Software, which magnifies computer screen output for use by visually impaired persons required to use a computer
- Voice recognition software facilitating computer use by persons who cannot use their hands for keyboarding.
- Time off for someone who needs treatment for a disability.
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Q. Is there an organization I can contact or my employer can contact to get more information about job accommodations?
A. Yes, you can contact the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) at:
www.askjan.org
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
(800) 526-7234 (Voice)
(877) 781-9403 (TTY)
(304) 293-5407 (Fax)
jan@askjan.org
There is also a contact form on the website.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
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Q. I am receiving SSI/SSDI. Will employment affect the amount of money I get from Social Security?
A. It might. In most cases your SSI/SSDI check will be reduced following employment. But the amount it goes down by will depend on how much you are earning in your new job.
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance.
If you are receiving SSI/SSDI and you go to work, the amount your check goes down depends on the state in which you live and whether or not you are married. You will need to check with your local independent living center or with your local social security office for details on working while receiving SSI benefits. There are special rules called Work Incentives that allow people with disabilities to go back to work and continue to receive SSI.
Social Security and Work Incentives are complicated issue and it helps to get assistance in understanding your benefits. ECNV suggests you contact your local CIL (find yours at www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html) and ask to speak with the person in charge of Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) or Social Security issues.
The U.S. Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov
(800) 772-1213 (Voice)
(800) 325-0778 (TTY)
Ticket to Work Program
www.yourtickettowork.com
(866) 968-7842 (Voice)
(866) TDD-2WORK (TTY)
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Q. Is there an organization I should contact about Social Security in Northern Virginia?
A. Yes, that organization is:
vaACCSES
www.vaaccses.org
7420 Fullerton Road,
Suite 110
Springfield, VA 22153-2836
703-461-8747 (V/Relay)
(877) 877-2777 (Toll-free V/Relay, outside of NoVa)
703-569-3932 (Fax)
ktefelski@vaaccses.org
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Q. I saw a job announcement, and I want to apply for the job. How should I go about that?
A. A job announcement oftentimes will list specifics about how to apply for a certain job and, of course, you should follow exactly any instructions the announcement lists. For example, if the ad says not to call, then do not call. Follow the directions given on the announcement.
If there are no directions in the announcement, you should apply for the job by sending a cover letter and your résumé by postal service mail. A résumé is a document that lists your contact information, your skills, your education and your past employment experiences for the potential employer. There are different types (functional, chronological or a combination of the two) and styles (classic, multiple column, etc.) of résumés and a person with a disability can get help from their local CIL (find yours at www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html) in developing one for himself or herself. A cover letter acts as your first contact with a potential employer. It should be brief and to the point; it should not be more than one page long. It should make a potential employer want to read your résumé.
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Q. What rehabilitation services can I get in Virginia to help me get a job?
A. If you have a disability, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is a government organization that provides services to eligible Virginians with disabilities. DRS generally provides short-term services to Virginia residents but may also purchase long-term vocational services from other organizations. Such services may include job search assistance, job coaching, supported employment, and assistive technology.
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS)
www.vadrs.org
Main Office
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 662-7000 (Voice)
(804) 662-9040 (TTY)
(800) 464-9950 (Toll Free TTY)
(804) 662-9532 (Fax)
James.Rothrock@drs.virginia.gov
Alexandria Office
5904 Old Richmond Highway,
Suite 410
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-960-3411 (Voice)
703-317-3525 (TTY)
703-960-8950 (Fax)
Fairfax Office
Main Office for Northern Virginia
11150 Main Street,
Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-359-1124 (Voice)
703-359-1126 (TTY)
703-277-3528 (Fax)
Leesburg Office
722 East Market Street,
Suite 105
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-771-4775 (V/Relay)
703-771-4746 (Fax)
Persons who are deaf and hard of hearing may also contact:
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH)
www.vddhh.org
1602 Rolling Hills Drive,
Suite 203
Richmond, Virginia 23229-5012
(804) 662-9502 (V/TTY)
(800) 552-7917 (Toll-free V/TTY)
frontdsk@vddhh.virginia.gov
Persons who are blind or visually impaired should contact:
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) www.vdbvi.org
397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227-3623
(804) 371-3140 (V/TTY)
(800) 622-2155 (Toll-free in Virginia V/TTY)
DBVI has a regional Northern Virginia office:
Fairfax office
11150 Fairfax Blvd.,
Suite 502
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-359-1100 (V/TTY)
703-359-1111 (Fax)
timothy.brown@dbvi.virginia.gov
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Q. Are there any Vocational Rehabilitation Programs in Virginia?
A. Yes, there are two state-operated government offices that offer Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). DRS and DBVI each offer VR services.
DRS assists people with disabilities get ready for, find and keep a job. Find your local DRS office at www.vadrs.org/offices. For more information about the VR Program at DRS visit www.vadrs.org/vocrehab.htm.
DBVI rehabilitation programs focus on training and rehabilitation to assist persons who are blind or have low vision to function using nonvisual techniques or low vision aids. Find further information and a complete list of DBVI services and offices at www.vdbvi.org .
Please note that someone with multiple disabilities may be eligible to be served by either DRS or DBVI or both.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program, which operates based on federal regulations, is an eligibility program, not an entitlement program. Decisions about eligibility and necessary services are made on a case-by-case basis.
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Q. What are some resources in Virginia and/or Northern Virginia area for people with my specific disability?
A. There are many organizations that work with/for specific disabilities. The list below is not a complete listing of those organizations as such a list would be too extensive.
Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
www.vdbvi.org
397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227-3623
(804) 371-3140 (V/TTY)
(800) 622-2155 (Toll-free in Virginia V/TTY)
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
www.clb.org
1825 K Street, NW,
Suite 110
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 454-6400 (V/Relay)
(202) 454-6401 (Fax)
info@clb.org
American Council of the Blind
www.acb.org
2200 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201
(800) 424-8666 (V/Relay)
(703) 465-5085 (Fax)
(Please note the Virginia affiliate is www.odcbvi.org)
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
www.nfb.org
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 (V/Relay)
(410) 685-5653 (Fax)
pmaurer@nfb.org
(Please note the Virginia affiliate is www.nfbv.org)
Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH)
www.vddhh.org
1602 Rolling Hills Drive,
Suite 203
Richmond, Virginia 23229-5012
(804) 662-9502 (V/TTY)
(800) 552-7917 (Toll-free V/TTY)
(804) 662-9718 (Fax)
frontdsk@vddhh.virginia.gov
Northern VA Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC )
www.nvrc.org
3951 Pender Drive,
Suite 130
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-352-9055 (V)
703-352-9056 (TTY)
703-352-9058 (FAX)
info@nvrc.org
Persons Who Have Multiple Sclerosis
National Capital Chapter of the MS Society
www.msandyou.org
1800 M St., NW,
Suite 750 South
Washington DC 20036
(202) 296-5363 (V/Relay)
(202) 296-3425 (Fax)
information@msandyou.org
Persons Who Have A Psychiatric Disability
Laurie Mitchell Employment Center
www.lmec.org
6295 Edsall Road,
Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-461-3886 (V/Relay)
703-461-8088 (Fax)
info@lmec.org
Clarendon House
3141 North 10th Street
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-5236 (V/Relay)
rwrigh@arlingtonva.us
Persons Who Have Epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation
www.epilepsyfoundation.org
8301 Professional Place
Landover, MD 20785
(800) 332-1000 (V/Relay)
For more resources for specific disabilities, we suggest that you contact your local CIL. Find your local CIL (find yours at www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html)
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Q. What is sheltered employment?
A. The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services defines it as “a service which provides supervised, guided remunerative employment for an individual whose current assessment indicates employment in a sheltered setting representing the individual's maximum level of vocational functioning. This service may involve the development of social, personal, and work-related skills based on an individualized customer rehabilitation/habilitation plan.” Generally speaking, a supported employment program is one where individuals with severe disabilities work in small groups under close supervision.
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Q. What are some sheltered employment programs in northern Virginia?
A. The following list contains most, but not necessarily all, supported employment resources in northern Virginia.
Central Fairfax Services (CFS)
www.centralfairfaxserv.org
6860 Commercial Drive
Springfield, VA 22151
703-354-0900 (V/Relay)
703-354-0008 (Fax)
info@centralfairfaxserv.org
Provides vocational and developmental services to residents of Northern Virginia aged 22 and above with developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy and physical disabilities. CFS offers a day program providing developmental services, vocational training, sheltered workshop and supported employment. Services include speech therapy, rehabilitation engineering, physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, personal care (eating, changing, dressing) wheelchair maintenance, and behavior management.
Didlake, Inc.
www.didlake.org
8641 Breeden Avenue
Manassas, VA 22110
703-361-4195 (Voice)
866-361-4195 (Voice)
703-330-6500 (TTY)
703-369-7141 (Fax)
No direct email is given, but there is a contact form on the website.
Didlake, Inc. offers training, therapies and rehabilitative services that support the efforts of people with disabilities to acquire the skills they need to live and work as independently as possible.
ServiceSource (formerly Fairfax Opportunities Unlimited)
www.ourpeoplework.org
6295 Edsall Road, Suite 175
Alexandria, VA 22312-2617
703-461-6000 (Voice)
800-244-0817 (Voice)
703-461-7905 (TTY)
703-461-3906 (Fax)
Offers an array of employment services designed to assist persons with varying degrees of support-needs achieve success in their quest for meaningful employment and training.
Icon Community Services, Inc.
www.iconservices.org
1240 N. Pitt Street,
Suite LL
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-4048 (Voice)
703-548-0198 (Fax)
webmaster@iconservices.org
ICON Employment Services are dedicated to the development of employment opportunities for people with disabilities who have traditionally been excluded from the workforce. ICON serves individuals who have a wide range of skills and abilities. They have helped people find jobs in many areas, including clerical, janitorial, groundskeeping, food preparation, retailing, trades and professional fields.
Job Discovery, Inc. (JDI)
www.jobdiscovery.org
10345 Democracy Lane
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-385-0041 (V/Relay)
703-383-3155 (TTY)
703-385-1113 (Fax)
Job Discovery Inc. (JDI) is an organization that was created to provide quality and reliable services to adults with developmental disabilities throughout Virginia. It serves to maximize an individuals abilities and potential through community based residential and vocational opportunities.
Kennedy Institute
801 Buchanan Street, NE
Washington D.C. 20017
(202) 529-7600 (V/Relay)
(202) 529-2028 (Fax)
Fairfax Co. Mental Retardation Services
Cooperative Employment Program
12011 Government Center Parkway,
Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22035-1105
703-324-4400 (Voice)
703-324-4495 (TTY)
703-324-4490 (Fax)
Operated directly by Intellectual Disability Services in partnership with the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, the Cooperative Employment Program provides individual supported employment services to adults with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities. Individuals receiving services benefit from routine contact with trained staff to assist them attain and maintain individual competitive employment in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
SkillSource
www.myskillsource.org
8300 Boone Blvd.,
Suite 450
Vienna, Virginia 22182
703-752-1606 (V/Relay)
877-545-1462 (Toll-free V/Relay)
info@myskillsource.org
SkillSource is a separate entity of the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board (NWIB) that provides quality workforce development services.
MVLE
www.mvle.org
7420 Fullerton Road,
Suite 110
Springfield, VA 22153
703-569-3900 (Voice)
703-569-3320 (TTY)
703-569-3932 (Fax)
The goal of MVLE is to provide employment and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Northern Virginia area.
St. John's Community Services (Main Office)
www.sjcs.org
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW,
Suite C-150
Washington, DC 20007
202-237-6500 (V/Relay)
800-869-3393 (Toll-free V/Relay)
202-237-6352 (Fax)
info@sjcs.org
St. John's Community Services-Virginia Office
7611 Little River Turnpike,
Suite 404 West
Annandale, VA 22003
703-914-2755 (V/Relay)
703-914-5437 (Fax)
St. John's Community Services-Virginia Office
18 Royal Street SE,
Suite 102
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-779-7684 (V/Relay)
703-779-7476 (Fax)
St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) is a community-based organization that supports children and adults with intellectual, developmental, physical and other disabilities.
Sheltered Occupational Enterprises (SOC)
www.socent.org
750 South 23rd Street
Arlington, VA 22202
703-521-4441 (Voice)
703-299-6253 (TTY)
703-521-3443 (Fax)
SOC provides employment and rehabilitation services to assist, empower and support individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, independence and integration in the workplace and in the community. SOC's comprehensive rehabilitative services promote and increase self-sufficiency, quality of life and/or occupational skill development.
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Q. How can I apply for a job with the government?
A. There are many types of governments (federal, state and local) and many types of jobs available. The following are resources you can use to apply for employment in a government agency or department:
USAJobs – the official job site of the United States federal government
www.usajobs.com
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)www.vec.state.va.us/vecportal
703 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-1485 (Voice)
800-828-1140 (Toll- free V)
(804) 371-8050 (TTY)
800-828-1120 (Toll-free TTY)
Alexandria Office
5520 Cherokee Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22312-2319
703-813-1300 (V/Relay)
703-813-1380 (Fax)
alexandria@vec.state.va.us
City of Alexandria
Department of Personnel Services
alexandriava.gov/Jobs
City Hall
301 King Street,
Room 2500
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3777 (Voice)
703-838-5035 (TTY)
703-838-3850 (Fax)
Arlington County
Human Resources Department
agency.governmentjobs.com/arlington/default.cfm
2100 Clarendon Blvd.,
Suite 511
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-3500 (Voice)
703-228-4613 (TTY)
703-228-3265 (Fax)
Fairfax County
Department of Human Resources
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr
703-222-5872 (Voice)
703-222-7314 (TTY)
24-Hour Jobline: 703-324-5627 (V)
Loudoun County
Division of Human Resources
www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=967
1 Harrison Street, S.E.
Mailstop #41A
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-0213 (V/TTY)
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Q. What are some websites that I can use to look for employment?
A. Listed below are a few.
- Job Bank USA: www.jobbankusa.com
- FlipDog: www.flipdog.com
- Monster: www.monster.com
- Employment Guide: www.employmentguide.com
- carrer JET: http://www.careerjet.com
- disABLEDperson.com: http://www.disabledperson.com
- Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP): http://www.dol.gov/odep/programs/workforc.htm
- Association of University Centers on Disabilities: http://www.aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=158
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Q. What organizations can I contact if I have a discrimination or advocacy complaint?
A. State and federal governments have offices dedicated to serving people with complaints.
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA)
www.vopa.state.va.us
1910 Byrd Avenue,
Suite 5
Richmond, VA 23230
(804)-225-2042 (V/TTY)
800-552-3962 (Toll-Free in Virginia)
(804)-662-7057 (Fax)
general.vopa@dsa.state.va.us
VOPA is the state protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Virginia and it operates the Client Assistance Program (CAP) which is intended to assist individuals who have problems, complaints or concerns regarding vocational rehabilitation services provided by DRS, CILs or other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act. You may pursue a complaint under the CAP, the ADA, or under the Virginians with Disabilities Act.
ADA Information Center for the Mid-Atlantic Region
www.adainfo.org
451 Hungerford Drive,
Suite 700
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 217-0124 (V/TTY)
800-949-4232 (Toll-free V/TTY)
(301) 217-0754 (Fax)
The ADA Information Center provides information and technical assistance regarding your employment rights and reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)www.eeoc.gov
131 M Street, NE
Fourth Floor, Suite NWO2F
Washington, D.C. 20507-0100
800-669-4000 (V)
800-669-6820 (TTY)
(202) 419-0740
info@eeoc.gov
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
www.usdoj.gov
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
(202) 514-2000 (V/Relay)
AskDOJ@usdoj.gov
Information specifically for people with disabilities can be found at
www.ada.gov. This includes information about how to file a complaint and toll-free phone numbers for the Americans with Disabilities Act Information Line.
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