A Newcomer’s Guide to Disability Rights and Support in the U.S.
Many services are available for people with disabilities, but you may not know they exist or how to find and use them. You may have questions like:
- Will sharing my disability affect my immigration status?
- Where can I get help accessing services?
- What are my rights?
- Can I ask for support?
- What if I do not speak English well?
- Will people understand my needs?
You are not alone. Many refugees and newcomers with disabilities face similar questions as they settle into new communities and learn how systems in the United States work.
Understanding Disability
In the United States, a disability is legally defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
People experience disability in different ways. Some disabilities are visible, while others are not.
If a person has a disability, they might have difficulty walking, hearing, or seeing. Or they could be living with long-term pain, learning disabilities, memory challenges, developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or other health concerns.
Some people identify as disabled. Others may still be learning how they think about their disability or don't use that word because of their personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.
Knowing Your Rights
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and many other state and federal laws protect people with disabilities from discrimination in many places, including school, work, housing, transportation, and health care. Under this law, people with disabilities have the right to apply for jobs, attend school, and participate in community life.
People with disabilities in the U.S. may qualify for support or accommodations, regardless of their immigration status. Many organizations and public services must provide reasonable accommodations and equal access for people with disabilities. These may include:
- Interpretation services
- Wheelchair access
- Large-print written materials
- Extra time for tests or appointments
- Accessible entrances
- Entry for a service animal
- Clear accessibility signage throughout buildings
- Note: Some newcomers with disabilities may also qualify for accommodations or exemptions during the U.S. citizenship process
You also have the right to ask questions if information is unclear during an appointment or meeting.
Requesting Support and Accommodations
An accommodation is a change or support that helps a person participate more fully in daily life. Different people may need different accommodations, such as flexible seating, written instructions, a quiet room, or breaks from work for medical appointments.
If you have never received disability-related support before or you come from a place where disability and mental health are not openly discussed, you may feel uncomfortable asking for help or talking about your needs.
Requesting support is common and acceptable in the United States. You may need to ask questions or speak up to receive the accommodations you need. Here are some examples of what you might say:
- "I use a wheelchair. Is there an entrance I can use?"
- "I cannot see well. Do you have bigger text?"
Many newcomers feel more comfortable receiving information in their preferred language. In many situations, you have the right to receive important information in your preferred spoken or written language. Health care providers, schools, and government offices may offer interpreters or language support services.
If you are Deaf or hard of hearing, you may also request sign language interpretation or other communication support. Sign languages differ by country. If you use sign language, tell your provider which sign language you use and how you prefer to communicate.
Finding Services and Support
Some newcomers don't learn about disability-related services and supports right away. As a result, they may miss opportunities to receive help that could make daily life easier.
Depending on the need, support may be available for:
- Health care
- Transportation
- Employment
- Housing
- Financial assistance
- Independent living
For example, some people may not know whether accommodations or other support may be available if traveling to an appointment or office is difficult.
Even when you do know that services or legal protections exist, finding help and understanding how systems work can still feel difficult or confusing.
Many programs and organizations in the United States support people with disabilities. You may be able to find help through:
- Resettlement providers
- Community organizations
- Schools
- Health care providers
- Disability advocacy organizations
- Faith communities
- Local government offices
- Legal aid organizations
If you do not know where to start, ask a trusted provider, caseworker, or community organization for guidance. You can also visit ADA.gov, Benefits.gov, or the ILRU Centers for Independent Living directory to find support and locate services near you.
Switchboard contributed to the content and review of this article.
Sources
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Community organizations and disability advocacy resources
- Mustafa Rfat: Disability and refugee resettlement research and guidance
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Disability Accommodations for the Public
Disclaimer: The content on this website is developed by Settle In, is in the public domain, and may be reproduced. This article offers general guidance for informational purposes. Specific disability policies and practices can differ by state and city.
The IRC received competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90RB0053. The project is 100% financed by federal funds. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.