More than three decades after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility remains an important responsibility for county governments. The ADA is a civil rights law designed to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment, public services, programs, activities, and facilities. For counties, compliance extends beyond physical accessibility and requires an ongoing commitment to removing barriers and providing reasonable accommodations.
The need for accessible government services remains significant. According to recent Colorado data, approximately 11% of Coloradans—more than 625,000 people—live with a disability, while roughly 335,000 working-age Coloradans report being unable to work because of a disability. Nationally, more than one in four adults has some form of disability.
Under Title II of the ADA, state and local governments must provide qualified individuals with disabilities equal access to public programs, services, and activities, including making reasonable modifications when necessary. Disabilities may be physical, mental, cognitive, sensory, or emotional, and while some are visible, others—such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, learning disabilities, or chronic illnesses—may not be immediately apparent.
Counties should regularly review the following areas:
A key component of ADA compliance is engaging in an interactive process when an accommodation request is received. Requests may be made verbally or in writing and do not require specific legal language. Once a need is identified, counties should work with the individual to determine a reasonable accommodation. When necessary, additional documentation may be requested to evaluate options. The goal is to engage in good-faith discussions and identify an effective solution that does not create an undue hardship on county operations.
ADA compliance is an ongoing process rather than a one-time project. Counties should regularly evaluate facilities, communications, websites, and service delivery methods to identify barriers and improve accessibility. Equally important is fostering a culture that recognizes disability rights as civil rights and seeks practical solutions through flexibility and collaboration. By proactively addressing accessibility concerns, maintaining required policies and procedures, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with employees, counties can reduce the risk of complaints and claims, improve service delivery, and ensure all community members have equal access to county programs and services. For more information, please contact CTSI at 303.861.0507.
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