If you believe that you or someone else has experienced discrimination due to a disability, you can take action by submitting a complaint under the American Disabilities Act. This law provides formal ways for people to report inequitable treatment so that government agencies can review the issue and determine what to do next. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand who you can complain against, where to submit your complaint, what happens after you file, and what options are available to you.

Who Can Be the Subject of Your Complaint

You may file a complaint on behalf of yourself or another person if discriminatory behavior was based on a disability. Under the American Disabilities Act, complaints can be submitted against a variety of entities, including:

• Government agencies or programs such as public schools, public hospitals, or other services provided by a state or local government.
• Private businesses and organizations that serve the public, like stores, restaurants, medical offices, hotels, or entertainment venues.

Understanding who you can file a complaint against is important because it determines where and how your complaint should be submitted.

Where and How to File Your Complaint

The location where you file your complaint depends on the type of issue you’re reporting. Different agencies handle different categories of complaints. Here’s how you can decide where to submit your report:

 Employment–Related Concerns

If the discrimination occurred at work, when applying for a job, or in relation to employment practices, this type of situation is typically handled by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Complaints related to workplace discrimination should be filed with the EEOC, which has offices across the United States.

 Air Travel Issues

If your complaint involves discrimination by an airline or relates to accessibility in air travel, you would file your complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 Housing Access Complaints

Complaints about housing discrimination — for example, being denied accessible housing because of a disability — are handled by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 All Other Disability Discrimination Complaints

For issues that fall outside employment, air travel, and housing, you can submit your complaint to the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. This department is responsible for enforcing many aspects of the American Disabilities Act and will either handle your complaint directly, refer it to the correct office, or contact you for further information.

Filing a Complaint with the Department of Justice

When you choose to file a complaint with the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, you have two main options:

 1. Online Submission

You can complete an online complaint form through the Civil Rights Division’s official complaint platform. This method is fast and sends your report directly to the appropriate review team.

 2. Mail Submission

Alternatively, you can fill out a paper complaint form or write a letter that includes all the necessary information. Then send it by mail to: