Access Information
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is Federal Civil Rights
legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in:
- Employment (Title I)
Businesses must provide reasonable accommodations to protect the rights of
individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. Possible
changes include restructuring jobs, altering the layout of workstations,
or modifying equipment. Employment aspects may include the application
process and hiring, on-the-job training, advancement, wages, benefits, and
employer-sponsored social activities.
- Public Services (Title II)
Public services, which include state and local government
instrumentalities, the National Railroad Passenger Corp., and other
commuter authorities, cannot deny services to people with disabilities or
participation in programs or activities which are available to people
without disabilities. In addition, public transportation systems such as
buses and rapid, light, and commuter rail systems, must be accessible to
individuals with disabilities. Equipment and physical modifications will
be phased in over the next 20 years.
- Public Accommodations
(Title III)
All new construction and modifications must be accessible to individuals
with disabilities. For existing facilities barriers to services must be
removed if readily achievable. Public accommodations include facilities
such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, retail stores, etc., as well
as privately owned transportation systems.
- Telecommunications (Title
IV)
Telecommunication companies offering telephone service to the general
public must have telephone relay service to individuals who use
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTY's) or similar devices.
ADA homepage
ADA Information Services provides
a list of telephone numbers and Internet addresses of Federal agencies and
other organizations that provide information and technical assistance to the public
about the ADA.
DisabilityInfo
is a national on-line resource for people with disabilities.
For further information*:
Contact one of the information lines listed below during normal business hours. Services are free and confidential.
The Senior LinkAge Line® is served by volunteers and staff of the area agencies on aging who are certified by the Minnesota Board on Aging. Staff and volunteers receive extensive training and provide objective, confidential assistance. They are independent and are not connected with any private or non-profit companies that sell products. The Senior LinkAge Line® is the federal government-certified Medicare Counseling phone service for the state of Minnesota.
The Disability Linkage Line® is served by the Metropolitan and the Southeastern Centers for Independent Living. Staff and volunteers receive extensive training, and provide objective, confidential assistance. They are independent and are not connected with any private or non-profit companies that sell products.
The Veterans Linkage Line™ is answered by trained staff at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Crisis Connection, a Twin Cities based nonprofit mental health telephone counseling service. MDVA staff, who are veterans themselves manage the lines Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Crisis Connection social workers field all crisis call during business hours, and all calls after hours, weekends and on holidays.
Minnesota Teens or Young Adults with questions or comments about this Web site can call (651) 431-4714; Mon- Fri, 8:00 am - 4:30pm or email: youth_corner@state.mn.us.
* Many programs in this Web site require that you have maximum income or asset limits and use the standard of Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g. 120% of FPG). The Federal Poverty Guidelines are set by US DHHS, and take affect in Minnesota July 1st. Federal Poverty Guidelines are available at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Eligibility for many public programs is done by the Minnesota County Social Services System. To find a county eligibility office near you, put your zip code into Minnesotahelp.info and type the name of the program in the keyword search box. For example, "Medical Assistance".
NOTE: There are many other factors - besides a person's income - that go into determining whether a person is eligible for a program. It's important to talk to the provider of the program to see if you can qualify.