A facility may be required to allow a type of device that is generally prohibited when being used by someone without a disability when it is being used by a person who needs it because of a mobility disability.įor example, if golf cars are generally prohibited in a park, the park may be required to allow a golf car when it is being used because of a person’s mobility disability, unless there is a legitimate safety reason that it cannot be accommodated. Similarly, someone who is able to stand may choose to use a Segway® rather than a manual wheelchair because of the health benefits gained by standing. For example, someone may choose to use a manual wheelchair rather than a power wheelchair because it enables her to maintain her upper body strength. People with disabilities have the right to choose whatever mobility device best suits their needs. When an OPDMD is being used by a person with a mobility disability, different rules apply under the ADA than when it is being used by a person without a disability Choice of Device OPDMD is defined in the new rules as “any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines… that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf cars, electronic personal assistance mobility devices… such as the Segway® PT, or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair”. These devices are called “other power-driven mobility device” (OPDMD) in the rule. In recent years, some people with mobility disabilities have begun using less traditional mobility devices such as golf cars or Segways®. The term “wheelchair” is defined in the new rules as “a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.” Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices Most people are familiar with the manual and power wheelchairs and electric scooters used by people with mobility disabilities. The rules set out five specific factors to consider in deciding whether or not a particular type of device can be accommodated. Where legitimate safety requirements bar accommodation for a particular type of device, the covered entity must provide the service it offers in alternate ways if possible. These rules went into effect on March 15, 2011.Ĭovered entities must allow people with disabilities who use manual or power wheelchairs or scooters, and manually-powered mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, and canes, into all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.Ĭovered entities must also allow people with disabilities who use other types of power-driven mobility devices into their facilities, unless a particular type of device cannot be accommodated because of legitimate safety requirements. This publication is designed to help title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public) (together, “covered entities”) understand how the new rules for mobility devices apply to them.
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