Integrated Programs
Integration of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream
of society is fundamental to the purposes of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Public entities may not provide services or benefits to
individuals with disabilities through programs that are separate or
different, unless the separate programs are necessary to ensure that
the benefits and services are equally effective.
Even when separate programs are permitted, an individual with a
disability still has the right to choose to participate in the
regular program. (For example, it would not be a violation for a
city to offer recreational programs specially designed for children
with mobility impairments, but it would be a violation if the city
refused to allow children with disabilities to participate in its
other recreational programs.) · State and local governments may not
require an individual with a disability to accept a special
accommodation or benefit if the individual chooses not to accept it. |