​​​​​​​​The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against qualified individuals on the basis of the individual’s disability in government employment, at government facilities, and in the provision of government services, programs and activities. The ADA defines “disability” as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual.

A qualified individual with a disability is one who meets the essential eligibility requirements for receipt of services or participation in the City of Virginia Beach's programs, activities, or services with or without (1) reasonable modifications to the City of Virginia Beach's rules, policies or practices; (2) removal of architectural, communication or transportation barriers; or (3) provision of auxiliary aids and services. An individual who poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others is not qualified.

The ADA applies to all programs, services, and activities offered by the City of Virginia Beach. These include, but are not limited to: the facilities and sites of the City of Virginia Beach programs, services, and activities; City of Virginia Beach roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and pathways; communications between the City of Virginia Beach and the public; courses and examinations offered by the City of Virginia Beach; and employment and public transportation services. The ADA also extends to programs, services, and activities provided by a City contractor for the benefit of the residents of, and visitors to, the City of Virginia Beach.

In accordance with the ADA, the City of Virginia Beach will not discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability on the basis of a disability in the provision of its services, programs, or activities. The City of Virginia Beach has enacted a policy memorializing the City’s commitment to the provisions of the ADA. View the Administrative Directive 1.11: Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability.

Additionally, the City of Virginia Beach will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations, unless the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity; or result in an undue financial or administrative burden.

Please direct requests for accommodation, auxiliary aid, or modification to policy in order to participate in a City program, service, or activity to the sponsoring department or ADA Coordinator as soon as possible before the program, service, or activity is scheduled to begin, but in all instances no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

In addition, the City of Virginia Beach has established an ADA Grievance Procedure to promptly respond to and resolve complaints alleging violations of the ADA. View the ​Administrative Directive 1.12: Americans With Disabilities Act Grievance Procedures. Complaints of alleged noncompliance should be directed to the ADA Coordinator.