Massachusetts Disability Rights

As a disabled person in Massachusetts, as in every state, you are entitled to certain rights to enable you to function without discrimination of access to programs and services. These rights are protected through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law and the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act.

Definition

According to federal and Massachusetts law, a person has a legal disability if they meet any of the following requirements: have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; have a history of such an impairment; is perceived (even if erroneously) as having such an impairment.

Rights

People meeting the proscribed conditions are entitled by law to fair housing rights, access to retail establishments, stores, transportation, entertainment facilities, and other places of public accommodation, and access to all governmental services, including municipal meetings and polling sites.

Advocacy

The Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) enforces these state and federal laws, along with other state AGs, the federal Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division and local disability rights advocates. Contact any of these departments if you have further questions about your rights or options if you feel these rights are being violated.

References

• Massachusetts Disability Rights Laws