FEB 17 1995



xx




XX
Tampa, Florida

Dear XX

     This letter is in response to your inquiry about application
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to U.S. possessions.
I apologize for the delay in our response.

     The ADA authorizes the Department of Justice to provide
technical assistance to individuals and entities having rights or
obligations under the Act. This letter provides informal
guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA's requirements.
However, it does not constitute a legal interpretation or legal
advice, and it is not binding on the Department of Justice.

     Your letter inquires about whether title III of the ADA
extends to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands. Title III, which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of disability by private entities that own, operate or lease
places of public accommodation, does apply to entities located in
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands. A copy of the regulation implementing title III of the
ADA is enclosed for your information.

     I hope this information is useful to you in understanding
the requirements of the ADA.

                                   Sincerely,



                               Janet L. Blizard
                             Supervisory Attorney

Enclosure

cc: FOIA




01-03630



June 21, 1994

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Washington, D.C.

To Whom it may Concern:

I have a question concerning the Public Accomodations
Section of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Do the provisions of this law apply to the various U.S.
possessions, i.e., Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, etc.?
If so, there are a few places in these Islands that are
not in compliance with this law.

I thank you for any assistance and clarification that you
can offer.


Sincerely,

xx
XX
Tampa, Fl.


















01-03631