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Trade Shows
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Trade shows, exhibitions, employment fairs, and other marketing events are designed to attract consumers with a common interest in things such as cars, gardens, crafts, cultures, or careers. At these events, consumers and a collection of related businesses and organizations communicate about themselves, their products and services. Informational workshops or demonstrations may be conducted and announcements may be broadcast using a public address system.
Deaf and hard of hearing attendees desire an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from these events. However, large crowds, large spaces, and high volume background noise may significantly impede even brief communication by and with deaf or hard of hearing attendees. Without appropriate auxiliary aids and services, they do not have equal access to the information and communication shared at these events.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation. Public accommodations include hotels, convention centers, stadiums, and other places of exhibition, entertainment, or public gathering.
Private businesses or organizations that own, lease, or operate space in places of public accommodation for trade shows, exhibitions, employment fairs, and other marketing events must make sure those events are accessible to attendees with disabilities. In addition to physical access for attendees with limited mobility, the ADA requires private businesses and organizations to provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with deaf or hard of hearing attendees so they may enjoy an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from those events. Private businesses and organizations must also modify their policies and practices when necessary to provide equal access to their services and facilities.
For more information, see Title III of the ADA: Provision of Auxiliary Aids.
Related Links:
Model ADA Policy for Trade Shows
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The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Law and Advocacy Center prepared this material as informal guidance. This is not legal advice. The NAD assumes no liability for this material.
For additional information or technical assistance about how laws against disability discrimination apply to you, contact the NAD Law and Advocacy Center, 301-587-7730 Voice/TTY, 301-587-0234 FAX, www.nad.org/contactus; a local attorney (for more information, see Get a Lawyer); or an enforcement agency (see list at www.ada.gov or call 800-514-0301 Voice or 800-514-0383 TTY). |
