02/05/2025

Associations and ADA Accommodations at Events

The provisions of the ADA apply to places of public accommodation

A core activity of associations is to hold events at which their members and other interested persons "associate" together, for networking, education and other purposes. At these events—in person or online, small or large —associations must take steps to ensure these gatherings are accessible to participants with disabilities.

This is not just good practice, it's a legal requirement under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that apply to places of public accommodation. "Public accommodations" include convention centers, hotels and other event spaces commonly used for conferences. Associations owning or leasing such spaces are responsible for ensuring compliance with ADA standards during their events.

To comply with the ADA, nonprofit organizations must provide people with disabilities "full and equal enjoyment" of the services and advantages they offer, remove barriers to accessibility, and provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication. This can extend to making reasonable modifications in policies, practices or procedures to accommodate individuals with disabilities unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the services provided or impose an undue burden.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.