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To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states are requiring people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. But there are cards circulating online and on social media that say the holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, and that it’s illegal for any business to ask them to disclose their condition. Variations of the card include the seal of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), one of the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

The fact is, these cards aren’t issued or endorsed by DOJ, or any other federal agency. DOJ urges the public not to rely on the information contained in these postings, and to visit ADA.gov for ADA information issued by the agency.

For information about your rights under the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

Want more information about the latest scams we’re seeing? Visit ftc.gov/coronavirus, and sign up for our consumer alerts. And, when you spot a scam, tell the FTC: ftc.gov/complaint. Because you can help us keep working to put a stop to these scams.

 

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Flummoxed Face
June 29, 2020
ADA.gov doesn't have a link to ADA information on face mask exemptions. Searching for *face masks* produces nothing except the ADA flyer. ADA.gov does not make easy getting relevant information.
M. Rose
June 29, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

you miss the point. Your link works but provide NO information about any application of the ADA to the pandemic or to face masks.
FTC Staff
July 01, 2020

In reply to by M. Rose

For information about your rights under the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

cheryl8661
July 01, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Thank you so much F.T.C. for keeping the public informed of these bogus schemes. Unfortunately, the deaths that we have had in New York State are not enough to hammer home the point “this virus IS REAL AND DEADLY!!!” However, those who are lying are selfish and inconsiderate of their fellow man/woman. Hopefully those who refuse to wear them will never be personally affected!!!!....
So what is the…
June 29, 2020
So what is the policy of face mask exemptions? The DOJ/ ADA website has nothing, yes your ADA link is working but there is nothing on the website about it. Why hide what the law says on it?
FTC Staff
July 01, 2020

In reply to by So what is the…

For information about your rights under the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

GrannyDi
June 30, 2020
I experience shortness of breath when wearing a mask. I smother and panic. What is the ruling if you are a disabled individual and wearing a mask is suffocating?
FTC Staff
July 01, 2020

In reply to by GrannyDi

For information about your rights under the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

Azcactusgal
July 02, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

There is NO information on the ADA website regarding masks for those with disabilities or health conditions where it is difficult to wear a mask for any period of time . If it is there, can you tell us where?
CAROLINE GANN
July 05, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I notice that the ONLY response you are giving people about the wearing of face masks by those with disabilities that are affected when a mask is worn is the same no matter what the actual question is! you respond with: For information about your rights under the ADA, visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY). The fact that you are repeating the same response regardless of how many times the same person asks the same question leads me to believe responses are automated, or you do not want to give a response that would be beneficial to us! The point people are trying to get across to you is that the link is functioning without error, HOWEVER, the ADA site has no information what-so-ever on any laws that may exempt someone from wearing a mask because doing so causes a negative reaction that affects the safe breathing of the individual. It is assumed by most of us that in order to assure the correct enforcement of the law, it would be necessary for the DOJ to know the laws. Therefore, the DOJ also assumably should know how and where to access an official copy of the written law! So I will attempt to ask the question in a manner that would require a DOJ response! The question and request from us to you is: Does the DOJ know of an exemption that can be located or quoted by a disabled individual in order to protect them from being cited by law enforcement officers for violating an official order to wear a protective face mask in public? And if the DOJ is aware of such an exemption, other than the ADA site where might an individual locate this information? If the DOJ is unaware of an exemption or is aware of one but not aware of where it is published please simply state this in your response. If however, the DOJ is aware of the exemption and where it is published and accessible please provide a direct link for us. It is not necessary or desired that your response is the same one you have already given at least 10 times! Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter!
FTC Staff
July 06, 2020

In reply to by CAROLINE GANN

Caroline,  This is a moderated blog; FTC staff read all the comments before they are posted. Our replies aren't automated.  And when we reply, we try to direct people to the best resources. Sometimes those resources are experts outside the FTC.

In this case, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is one of the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act. DOJ urges people to visit ADA.gov for ADA information issued by that agency. So when people ask about their rights, we've said you can visit ADA.gov, or call 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY). 

LJK
July 21, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

But there is still no information ON the ADA.gov site that addresses the questions!
Erin D
July 20, 2020

In reply to by CAROLINE GANN

Has anyone found any official information even halfway answering this question? I called my local health department as well as the ADA “advice line” and I’m going around in circles. Local health dept says it’s not enough to simply “accommodate” by offering curbside delivery, which seems crazy. Don’t want to risk anyone’s safety on my staff over this.
AlexW
July 04, 2020

In reply to by GrannyDi

Under the ADA businesses need to try and accommodate you. For example, they can offer curbside pickup or delivery services if you are unable to wear a mask in a store or restaurant.
Griff
July 05, 2020
Are the bogus "Mask Exemption" cards a criminal offense if people claim they're government issued?
Concerned American
September 14, 2020

In reply to by Griff

Notice how no has replied to this. This is ridiculous. They can't even respond. What a joke. If you're unable to wear a mask, they better just deal with it. You can't force someone to wear a mask.
Girty
April 06, 2021

In reply to by Griff

Yes, same if you try and pass a dog off as a service dog with a fake documents. It would be the same.
Fakecards
September 07, 2021
What should we do as a business owner of someone shows us one of these cards and tells us we will be fined if we don't let them in workout a mask?
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