ADA Accessible Rehab: What You Need To Know

What is the ADA?

The American Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to protect the rights of and prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It is also associated with ensuring reliable and safe access to facilities for citizens with disabilities. Properties that should be ADA-compliant include schools, hospitals, government buildings, hotels, places of business, and addiction recovery centers. 

In simple terms, a building is ADA compliant when it provides the same level of access to disabled individuals as those without disabilities. For example, the premises should be free of architectural barriers and provide accessible entrances, pathways, parking, and bathrooms. They should also offer features like grab bars, tactile signage, reachable light switches, lowered counters, and low-resistance door handles.   

Per the ADA, a person can be considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or major life activities. Some conditions that qualify as disabilities include cancer, diabetes, HIV, PTSD, hearing loss or deafness, major depressive disorder, impaired vision or blindness, and reduced mobility. 

ADA Accessible Rehab at New Day Recovery Services

Committed to making addiction recovery a possibility for all men and women over the age of 18, New Day Recovery Services is a top ADA accessible rehab in the San Antonio, TX area. 

Whether through sober living or outpatient programs, New Day clients are given access to numerous therapy programs so that they can experience the most advantageous treatment. For instance, individuals receive care from licensed clinicians who can address addiction and its relationship with co-occurring mental health conditions—such as PTSD or depression. 

New Day Recovery Services operates several sober living homes for men in San Antonio as well that are ADA compliant. Homes, such as the Spanish Oaks assisted living center, provide a clean, safe, and accessible environment for clients living with disabilities. These resources help ensure people with disabilities can rest, recover, and grow within fully supportive surroundings.

How the ADA Works For Addiction and Recovery

While ADA protections do not apply to the illegal use of substances, they are extended to individuals living with addiction. Specifically, the ADA prevents discrimination—such as by employers—against people who are recovering from drug or alcohol dependency. 

Under the ADA, an employer could not discriminate—such as by firing—an employee who has been diagnosed with alcohol addiction and needs immediate time off to enter rehab. An employer must also not discriminate against employees who are prescribed medications to assist with addiction recovery—such as suboxone or methadone. In addition, employers can’t discriminate against individuals who have a history of addiction but are currently rehabilitated and sober.

Is Addiction a Disability Under ADA?

Yes. A person who casually uses illicit drugs or alcohol is not protected by the ADA. However, an addiction may qualify as a disability when it meets the ADA’s standards.

Specifically, the addiction must be an impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Protected individuals may also have a history or record of the addiction—such as having received treatment at an ADA alcoholism rehab.

Can Enrolling in Rehab Provide ADA Protection?

Yes. Receiving treatment for addiction from a rehab center offers protection under the ADA, as well as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Part of this protection means that an individual cannot be fired from their job for going to rehab.

Finding The Right ADA Accessible Rehab

There are many recovery centers that can be classified as ADA drug addiction alcoholism rehab. But while all may meet similar standards of accessibility, not all offer the same level of care. 

To ensure you choose the best ADA addiction rehab facility, carefully review its treatment offerings and amenities. For example, it’s important to select a provider that is experienced with treating the specific addiction you’re concerned about. It’s best to stick with those that offer numerous therapy resources so that you can have a more individualized treatment experience that addresses your specific situation. 

In terms of sober living or inpatient rehab, it’s also a good idea to review the living environment to ensure the accessibility is acceptable for the specific disability.

Our Addiction Rehab Program

The New Day ADA accessible rehab sober living program is a transitional approach to recovery. Participants live in a safe, clean, and comfortable home environment alongside others who are also on the path to long-term sobriety. 

In this supportive atmosphere, clients are removed from harmful substances, as well as triggering situations, that may heighten the risk of relapse. With this security, residents can gradually develop a strong structure for stable daily living while having access to numerous resources that help them explore, understand, and treat their addiction. 

This program allows individuals to participate in regular therapy and group counseling sessions to work through the complex issues associated with addiction. Over time, residents can overcome challenges that have contributed to addiction risk and develop plans to prevent relapse.  

What Makes New Day Recovery Services Different?

New Day Recovery Services sets itself apart from other ADA addiction programs through its commitment to helping clients build plans for sustainable independence. 

For example, sober living residents have access to many more resources than therapy and counseling. They also work with staff to set goals, embrace healthy habits, and strengthen practices to move forward in life with sobriety. For many, this may mean following a plan to find stable work or to re-establish financial security. 

New Day Recovery Services understands that all clients have different recovery journeys. As such, all treatment plans and recovery strategies are individualized to address the specific needs of the client. This thorough approach covers gaps that other rehabs may overlook and can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.