Legal Requirements and Responsibilities

There are a wide range of disability rights laws that define and protect the rights of people with disabilities, including the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. The ways these laws apply to specific organizations can vary widely, based on factors like organization type, funding sources, number of employees, etc. As a cultural organization, you will need to comply with legal requirements and responsibilities related to space, policies, practices, employment, website, and communication. We recommend taking some time to complete this Legal Requirements Self Identification Tool to help you learn more about the legal requirements that apply to your organization. We have also created this visual resource to support understanding of this content.

Throughout The Hub, you will find information on each topic page under the “Learn” section about some of the laws and regulations relevant to that particular topic, as well as the ways in which they are generally applicable within the arts and culture sector. As you become more familiar with these and how they apply to your organization, it is important to remember that regulations and standards frequently lay out the minimum required to be compliant. People with disabilities need and deserve organizations that implement best practices that go beyond these minimum requirements and who embrace a mindset of equity, inclusion, and belonging.