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
 
In 2010 the Department of Justice’s revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 were published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010.
 
To review the complete scope and technical requirements for new construction and alterations resulting from the adoption of revised 2010 Standards in the final rules for Title II (28 CFR part 35) and Title III (28 CFR part 36) go to http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm  

For a summary of 2010 changes to Assistive Listening Systems (click here)

Section: 706 Assistive Listening Systems

Table 219.3 Receivers for Assistive Listening Systems

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*
*Or fraction thereof
 
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] 


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.


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.