Justice Department Withdraws 11 ADA Guidance Documents Following Trump Order

The rescission aims to streamline compliance for businesses, but advocacy groups warn of potential impacts on disability protections.

The U.S. Department of Justice has removed 11 guidance documents related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), citing their outdated nature and a January 2025 executive order from President Trump aimed at reducing regulatory burdens.
The rescinded guidance includes materials addressing COVID-19-related issues such as mask exemptions, service animals, and accessibility in outdoor dining spaces, as well as older documents dating back to 1999.
Officials argue the move will simplify ADA compliance for businesses and reduce costs, while highlighting tax incentives available to support accessibility improvements.
Advocacy groups, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, expressed concerns that the removal could create confusion and weaken protections for people with disabilities in accessing services.
The ADA itself remains unchanged, but critics warn that the absence of clear guidance could exacerbate existing barriers in areas like retail, lodging, and healthcare.