ADA Compliance

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) does its best to ensure that all Floridians who want a driver license are afforded the privilege of operating a motor vehicle. Persons will be denied a license if they are incapable of safely operating a vehicle, of course. But the public's perceptions of the capabilities of those with disabilities has shifted considerably over the years, and mechanical and technological improvements make it possible for persons with a wide range of disabilities to compensate for those disabilities and drive safely.

Since persons with disabilities are out on the roadways, they—like any other driver—may receive a citation; and if persons with disabilities are cited, they may elect to attend traffic school. The DHSMV recently issued a letter (click here to view) affirming their commitment to ensuring that Florida traffic schools are in compliance federal law and operating in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Traffic schools should have in place a process to provide auxiliary aids and services, without charge to students, to those attendees who require assistance due to a disability. As well, schools should takes steps to ensure that students are aware of the procedures by which accommodations may be requested. The DHSMV's letter provides some guidance, and directs readers to the U.S. Dept. of Justice's ADA Home Page for more information.