Barriers to Accessibility

wheelchair at closed door with no ramp

People have the right to participate equally in the world around them. This includes access to private and public buildings, programs, events, and services.

People with disabilities may face physical, communicative, attitudinal, systemic, or other barriers as a part of daily life. These barriers can include lack of ramp access to a building, the refusal by a medical facility to provide sign language interpretation, or denying a person with disabilities the right to a service dog in a “no pets” building. Depending on the nature and scope of the barrier, advocates at Disability Rights Wisconsin may be able to assist you in overcoming it.

Strategies

Disability Rights Wisconsin provides information, referral, advice, investigation, and, in select cases, legal representation to individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin to remove barriers to accessibility at work, in home, and in public places.

Self-Advocacy Resources

Our self-advocacy resources have helpful guidance and further information on issues related to this topic. Learn more below:

  • Fact Sheet: [English] Snow Removal

    This DRW factsheet outlines processes for addressing snow removal issues in residential housing, public property, and places of public accommodation such as businesses.

  • Fact Sheet: [Spanish] Snow Removal

    Este hoja informativa presenta información sobre problemas de limpieza de nieve en viviendas, propiedad pública, y lugares de acceso público.

Referrals

Other places that may be able to help you:

  • ADA Information Line

    The Department of Justice operates a toll-free ADA Information Line to provide information and materials to the public about the Americans with Disabilities Act, including information on how to file an ADA complaint.

  • Economic Justice Institute

    Programs are dedicated to serving low-income and other under-represented clients in matters designed to enhance access to justice and economic security.

  • Great Lakes ADA Center

    The Great Lakes ADA Center’s mission is to increase awareness and knowledge with the ultimate goal of achieving voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  • Job Accommodation Network

    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

  • Wisconsin Judicare Inc.

    Serves low-income people in 33 northern counties of WI. Handles cases involving bankruptcy, social security and SSI, family law, health, housing, income maintenance, wills, and Indian law.

Learn More

You can find more information on this topic from these websites and publications:

Act

Want to do more to help protect individuals with disabilities? Please visit our Take Action Page for some ideas and to sign up for news and other alerts from our website. Or Donate Now to help protect and advocate for the rights and futures of all Wisconsin citizens. We'd love to have you join us.

Get Help

Need further information or support? Please visit our Contact Page.