Facility Disability Services
The National Archives and Records Administration complies with the Architectural Barriers Act. This law helps ensure that NARA employees, applicants for employment, and members of the public with disabilities can gain access to NARA buildings and facilities.
If you have any questions or want to provide any informal feedback about the accessibility of the NARA's Facilities, contact the NARA's Disability Program Manager. The NARA appreciates feedback in helping make its facilities as accessible as possible.
Access to NARA Facilities
Blind and Low Vision Visitors
NARA has five copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in braille. Please contact visitor services for more information at visitorservices@nara.gov or call 202-357-6816.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Visitors
Most research facilities and all Presidential Libraries provide Interpretypes® as a quick and easy means of face-to-face communication between deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people. These can be used for simple research questions, visitor Q&A, and general information. Interpretypes® will not be replacing interpreters, but are a means of immediate access for those with hearing loss. For information about interpreted museum tours, please email visitorservices@nara.gov or call 202-357-6816.
Sign language interpreting and CART (Communication Access in Real Time) services are available with a seven-business-day notice. Please contact the facility in which you are interested in visiting for more information about reserving services.
Welcome video tour of the National Archives Museum in American Sign Language (ASL).
Personal Assistant Services (PAS) Information
NARA provides Personal Assistant Services (PAS) to NARA employees with targeted disabilities who require assistance with basic activities of daily living such as eating, removing and putting on clothing, and using the restroom unless doing so will impose an undue hardship on the Agency. Personal assistance services differ from medical services and services that are typically performed by someone who often has the job title of “personal assistant.” Personal assistance services are non-medical services that allow individuals with targeted disabilities to perform basic human activities of daily living such as eating, removing and putting on clothing, and using the restroom. Personal assistance services are not the same as services that help individuals perform job-related tasks, such as filing, or using a computer.
Reasonable Accommodation Procedures
NARA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to its employees and applicants for employment to ensure that individuals with disabilities enjoy full access to equal employment opportunities at NARA. Access the policy.
Service Animals
NARA has a Service Animal Policy, which permits animals specifically trained to perform tasks for persons with disabilities, and access to public areas. Therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Service animals must be under the control of their handlers at all times.
Wheelchair Users
A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. All facilities are accessible by elevator. Please see Accessing the DC Area Facilities for more information on accessible entrances and routes to the museum. If you require assistance, please ask a security officer.