The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law (passed in 1990) that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. All family child care providers, including those who are exempt from state regulations, must comply with the ADA.
Child care providers must make reasonable accommodations to include children with disabilities into their program.
Here are some questions and answers about the ADA:
1) Can I refuse to provide care to a child with epilepsy if I don't believe I am capable of providing adequate care for this child?
2) Do I have to build a permanent ramp to my front door so a child in a wheelchair can enroll in my program?
3) A parent with an autistic child wants to enroll her child in my program. I can't possibly provide one-on-one care for this child and care for the other children in my program. What should I tell her?
The Disabled Access Credit is available for making your home more accessible to children with disabilities. The credit can be used to help offset the cost of items such as grab bars, bathroom remodel, or wider doorways. Fill out Form 8826 Disabled Access Credit, then Form 3800 General Business Credit and claim the credit on Form 1040, line 53. You can also claim a disabled access deduction of up to $15,000 for certain expenses on Schedule C, line 27, instead of depreciating them. Examples of such expenses include: converting a van, remodeling, or building a ramp.
Image credit: ndspro.com
For more information about the ADA, see my book Family Child Care Legal and Insurance Guide.
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