106 CMR 360.250
Department Obligations under Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C.
12131, et seq., 28 CFR 35.101, et seq.)
(A) Definitions.
(1) Disability under the ADA is defined as:
(a) a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life
activities of an individual;
(b) a record of having such impairment; or
(c) being regarded as having such impairment.
Disability, does not include psychoactive substance abuse disorder resulting from current
illegal use of drugs.
(2) A qualified individual with a disability is an individual who meets the essential
eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or participation in programs or activities
provided by the Department with or without:
(a) reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices;
(b) the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers; and/or
(c) the provision of auxiliary aids and services.
An individual who poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others is not a qualified
individual. An individual who is currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs when the
Department acts on the basis of such use is not a qualified individual.
(3) Physical or Mental Impairment means:
(a) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss
affecting one or more the following body systems: Neurological, musculoskeletal,
special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive,
digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine; and
(b) Any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain
syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.
(4) Major life activities include functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual
tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.
(B) No qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from
participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the
Department, or be subjected to discrimination by the Department.
(C) The Department, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through
contractual, licensing, or other arrangements on the basis of disability:
(1) Deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in or benefit
from the aid, benefit, or service;
(2) Afford a qualified individual with a disability an opportunity to participate in or benefit
from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;
(3) Provide a qualified individual with a disability with an aid, benefit, or service that is not
as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit,
or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;
(4) Provide different or separate aids, benefits, or services to individuals with disabilities
than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals
with disabilities with aids, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to
others; and
(5) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with a disability in the enjoyment of any right,
privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(D) The Department shall make reasonable changes in policies, practices, or procedures when
the changes are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the
Department can demonstrate that making the changes would fundamentally alter the nature of
the service, program, or activity.