QUESTION:
I have autism and get overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places. I asked my local library if they could let me use a quiet room to read and study. They said they don’t offer special accommodations and suggested I come at less busy times. Aren’t they required to help under the ADA?
ANSWER:
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, public places like libraries must make reasonable changes to their services to help people with disabilities unless it would fundamentally alter their services or cause an undue burden (something difficult to administer or expensive). Providing access to an existing quiet space or designating a low-sensory area would likely be a reasonable modification. Quiet spaces offer people with autism a refuge where sensory inputs are reduced. This helps with sensory overload, helping them regain a sense of calm.
Other options could include having quiet hours during certain parts of the day.
Try reaching out to the library’s ADA Coordinator to talk more about what you need.
The Northwest ADA Center-Idaho is a cooperative project in Idaho providing statewide ADA technical assistance and support that was formerly offered through the Idaho Task Force on the ADA. On May 1, 2012 Idaho received funding from the Northwest ADA Center to provide information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
There are four partners in the ADA coalition composed of the three Idaho Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and a state coordinator. The primary contract will be managed by Disability Action Center-NW, Inc.
The main contact person for the Northwest ADA Center-Idaho is Dana Gover, ADA Training and Technical Assistance Consultant. Contact information:
Dananwadacenteridaho@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)
Technical Assistance phone and text: 208-841-9422
Relay: 7-1-1