ADA General Guidelines
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, programs and services provided by state and local government, goods and services provided by private companies, and in commercial facilities.This Act includes provisions to accommodate hard of hearing people, including incorporating Assistive Listening Systems in new building construction, in alterations or renovations to buildings and facilities of private companies providing goods or services to the public. It also requires that State and local governments provide access for the hard of hearing in programs offered to the public.
2010 Notice of Changes in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design
For a summary of 2010 changes to Assistive Listening Systems (click here)
Capacity of Seating in Assembly Area | Minimum Number of Required Receivers Contact Listen for customized quote to accommodate area | Minimum Number of Required Receivers Required to be Hearing-aid Compatible (using Listen LA-166) |
50 or less | 2 | 2 |
51 to 200 | 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats* | 2 |
201 to 500 | 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats* | 1 per 4 receivers* |
501 to 1000 | 20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats* | 1 per 4 receivers* |
1001 to 2000 | 35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats* | 1 per 4 receivers* |
2001 and over | 55 plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats* | 1 per 4 receivers* |
Regulations
Read the regulations set forth by the appropriate governing body to learn what the requirements and recommendations are and how they may apply to you.
DOWNLOAD ADA CALCULATOR:
The calculator allows you to enter the number of seats in a venue to calculate the minimum number of assistive listening devices and neck loops needed to meet new 2010 ADA requirements.
Installation Instructions: (Please do not open without saving first)
1. Download the program by [clicking here].
2. Save the program to your desktop.
3. Open the folder and run the set up.
4. Pin the icon to your start up menu or task bar. Note - it will automatically create an icon on your desktop.
5. Discard the folder when complete or leave it on your desktop.
6. The program can be uninstalled at your discretion in the control panel of your PC.
If you experience any difficulties, contact Listen Tech Support at 1.800.330.0892 or support@listentech.com.
To report a bug or give us feedback [click here]
- ADA General Guidelines for Hard of Hearing People
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Help with ADA Compliance
- 2010 Changes to Assistive Listening Systems
- ADA Guidelines for Stadiums/Arenas
- Access Board Recommendations (Section 508 Amendment)
- Who Has Obligations Under Title III?
- Providing Effective Communications
- Communicating with People with Disabilities
- National Building Code of Canada
US - Tax Credit Info
Businesses - both large and small - may receive a tax benefit by using Listen for assistive listening. Small businesses may be eligible for up to a $5000 tax credit and any business may qualify for up to a $15,000 tax deduction. In certain instances, the tax savings may cover a significant portion of the purchase.
- ADA Guidelines for Tax Credits (Includes Sample Form)
- Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility
- IRS Form 8826
President Bush Signs Assistive Technology (AT) Legislation
3/1/2005
In 2004 President Bush signed the Assistive Technology Act funds which primarily funds state programs that provide assistive technology (AT) devices and services to individuals with disabilities. The bill includes many of ASHA's recommendations including:
- making AT legislation a regular authorization by waiving the current sunset provision;
- ensuring that funding would continuously be made available for AT programs;
- including students with disabilities in the required state transition assistance programs;
- establishing universal design principles that are usable by people with the widest range of functional capabilities;
- increasing teacher training on AT devices and services for children with disabilities;
- continuing state protection and advocacy programs; and
- including a minimum state grant of $410,000.
The final version of the Assistive Technology Act - H.R. 4278 can be viewed by clicking here.
