State agencies, local agencies, and other subrecipients must ensure equal access to FNS programs for persons with disabilities. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 prohibits discrimination based on disability by state and local governments. The ADA and Section 504 cover issues pertaining to both physical access and program access.
It is important to note that for most issues there is dual authority under both DOJ (ADA) and USDA (Section 504) regulations, though the specifics sometimes differ. Section 508 covers issues pertaining to information technology access (e.g., web-based information, application systems, etc.) for the federal government. Many states have passed legislation requiring electronic and information technology accessibility adopting Section 508 as their standard.
FNS Guidance
- USDA-FNS Accommodating Children with Disabilities in the School Meal Programs: Guidance for School Food Service Professionals, (July 25, 2017)
- USDA-FNS Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the CACFP and SFSP (June 22, 2017)
- USDA-FNS Accommodating Children with Disabilities in the School Meal Programs: Questions and Answers (April 25, 2017)
- USDA-FNS Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the School Meals Programs (Sept. 26, 2016)
Federal Guidance
- DOJ ADA Guidance on Web Accessibility(March 2022)
- DOJ ADA Title II Primer(June 2015)
- DOJ ADA Requirements: Effective Communication(January 2014)
- DOJ ADA Requirements: Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices(January 2014)
- DOJ ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments
- DOJ ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Service Animals
- Information and Technical Assistance on the ADA