Form Letter: Writing to a Public Place About Needed Accommodations
Sample letter that people with disabilities can use to ask public places for the accommodations, or changes, they need for equal access.
About this form letter
You may use this letter to tell a public entity, like a business, that they need to work with you to make reasonable accommodations for your disability. You can do this by explaining the law and what it says about accommodating people with disabilities in public spaces.
How to use this form letter
You can type your information into this form letter using your computer and print it out. If you don’t have a computer or can’t use one, you can print the form letter out and fill it in by hand.
Once you have filled out the letter, you can mail it, email it, or drop it off with the business. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself. You can write down when you sent your letter and when / if you expect a reply.
This form letter shows what can be in your letter to a public entity about reasonable accommodations. It is not legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, please talk with an attorney.
[Date]
Re: Obligation to Give Reasonable Accommodations
Dear [Public entity or business],
I’m writing to tell you that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires you to give reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities, such as myself.
I am a person with a disability as defined under the ADA. This means I have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of my major life activities. My disability stops me from [describe limitation(s)].
Disability law, including the ADA and Wisconsin Statute §106.52, makes it illegal to discriminate against protected groups, including people with disabilities, in public spaces. This means businesses can’t refuse to make reasonable accommodations (changes in policies, practices, or services) which may be necessary for someone with a disability to use the facility to the same extent as people without disabilities. Public entities can’t retaliate against someone for asserting their right to reasonable accommodations.
I’m asking for a reasonable accommodation so I can access your space / services. The accommodation I am asking for is [describe the change you need so you can have equal access to the public place].
Please respond to this letter within the next ten business days. Please note that public entities must respond promptly to a reasonable accommodation request. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. You can call me at [phone number] or email me at [email address]. Thank you for your time and help with this.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
