Accessibility and accommodations at the USPTO

Navigating USPTO headquarters

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) main headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia. The campus is anchored by the large Madison Building. Most public events at the USPTO are located at this building on both the main and concourse levels. The Madison Building contains the campus' main public spaces, including the Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, Clara Barton Auditorium, cafeteria, and Public Search Facility. A map (braille accessible) of the Madison Building and campus layout can be found immediately after entering the Madison Building from either of the two main entrances on Dulany Street or Eisenhower Avenue. If you require assistance or directions, we recommend that you proceed to any of the security desks located at either side of the building's large atrium.

Visitors and job applicants

The USPTO is committed to making its facilities accessible. Many of our public events will already have several accommodations available as a matter of regular practice, but it is always a good idea to contact us ahead of time to see what is provided and make any additional requests. Please keep in mind that some accommodations require several weeks to plan and schedule effectively. 

If you are a job applicant, you can request accommodations, including a sign language interpreter, guide, mobility assistance, or other, ahead of your job interview or related visits.

New employees

If you are a new employee requiring reasonable accommodations to perform your work duties, please contact our Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity in advance of your scheduled start date. The more time you provide us, the better we can assist you as an important new member of our team. 

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 4151--57, requires access to facilities that are designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds. The Access Board is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the ABA. The Access Board website provides the building accessibility standards, as well as information about filing a complaint. Further information can be found on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.