The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law enacted on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability. This July marks its 35th anniversary. The ADA protects people with disabilities, defined as individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, those with a history of such impairment.
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ADA Title II
Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to public programs and services.
Accessibility Standards
Accessibility standards issued under the ADA apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law enacted on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability. This July marks its 35th anniversary. The ADA protects people with disabilities, defined as individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, those with a history of such impairment.
Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to public programs and services.
Accessibility standards issued under the ADA apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities.
Key Provisions of the ADA
The ADA is divided into five titles, each addressing a different area of public life:
Title I: Employment
This title prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
Title II: State and Local Government Services
As mentioned previously, Title II covers programs and services offered by state and local governments. This includes access to public transportation, public education, recreational activities, and other government-operated facilities and services. Governments must ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures.
Title III: Public Accommodations
This title addresses privately owned businesses that are open to the public, such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, stores, and doctors’ offices. These businesses must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes removing architectural barriers where readily achievable and providing auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication. New construction and alterations must comply with ADA accessibility standards.
Title IV: Telecommunications
Title IV requires telecommunications companies to provide services that allow individuals with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate. This includes relay services that allow individuals using TTYs (text telephones) to communicate with individuals using standard telephones. It also addresses closed captioning of federally funded public service announcements.
Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions
This title contains a variety of provisions relating to the ADA, including its relationship to other laws, its enforcement, and technical assistance to help individuals and businesses comply with the law.
Impact and Legacy
The ADA has had a profound impact on American society, increasing opportunities and reducing barriers for individuals with disabilities. It has fostered greater inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, from employment and education to recreation and community involvement. While progress has been made, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure full implementation of the ADA and to address remaining challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Resources and Further Information
For more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, please consult the following resources:
- The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: www.ada.gov
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): www.eeoc;gov
- The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF): dredf.org
