Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) on Monday during its monthly Commission meeting, approved Personal Care Assistant guidance which clarified how to interpret the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) when evaluating cases involving reasonable accommodation requests and the admission of Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) accompanying individuals with disabilities at public accommodations and commercial properties.
“We know that meaningful access for people with disabilities often depends on the support of Personal Care Assistants,” said Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, PHRC Executive Director. “This guidance helps ensure that entities understand their obligations and that individuals understand their rights. It is a vital step in promoting true accessibility across Pennsylvania.”
The guidance explains when the PHRC may consider it to be a reasonable accommodation for entities to provide PCAs free or discounted admission, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in public life. While the PHRA does not guarantee free admission for PCAs in every case, the Commission explains that it may be required in certain circumstances, such as admission to museums, amusement parks, outdoor events, or venues with accessible seating areas.
Under the PHRA, individuals seeking accommodations must have a disability as defined by the law and the requested accommodation must be reasonable and necessary. Covered entities may only deny accommodations if it can show that providing them would create an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of its program.
“The updated disability accommodation guidance reaffirms our dedication to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can participate fully in public life,” said Alana Burman, PHRC Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs. “By clarifying how PCAs should be considered in admission policies, we are helping both individuals and entities understand their rights and responsibilities under the PHRA.”
The PHRC accepted public comments on the guidance via an online survey from October 6 through November 25, 2025. In addition, two virtual public meetings to solicit feedback on the guidance were held Wednesday, November 19 and Tuesday, November 25.
During the meeting, commissioners adopted the Collaboration Letter Policy, which outlined how designated departments should track and engage with entities when a belief that discrimination has occurred and that information is brought to the PHRC from sources other than a complaining witness.
This policy established a structured, proactive step the Director may take to conduct outreach, present the concern, and offer assistance in correcting the issue before a formal complaint is filed or any damage or liability is incurred. The new approach is intended to promote early problem‑solving, increase transparency, and support entities in addressing potential violations swiftly and effectively.
In addition, a revised Commission‑Initiated Complaint (CIC) policy clarified procedural steps from initial receipt through Chief Counsel review and approval, ensuring greater consistency and accountability at every stage. A CIC can be initiated after an investigatory hearing is held. The commission may, with the consent of eight members, on its own behalf initiate a complaint and approve a final order using the hearing findings.
This update also formally incorporated the role of the Civil Rights Outreach Coordinators (CROCs) into the CIC workflow. It outlined how feedback and requests for additional investigation should be communicated as part of the ongoing evaluation conducted by the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), investigators, and the CROCs. These improvements are designed to support a more collaborative and informed review process.
"We are committed to strengthening early intervention and ensuring those facing discrimination have a clear pathway to finding justice," said Desireé Chang, PHRC Deputy Director for Enforcement, Policy, and Compliance. "These updated policies allow us to be more proactive, more consistent, and more responsive to the needs of the public."
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The Commission is made up of eleven commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The Commission is independent and nonpartisan, with no more than six commissioners from one political party. Under the PHRA, the Commission needs either six members or a majority of appointed and qualified members to conduct business, and any action can be approved by a majority of those present.
The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website.
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