Americans with Disabilities Act

What is ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George Bush.  The Act was endorsed to tackle the problems of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  It addressed areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation institutionalization, health services, voting, and access to public services.  

The purpose of the Act is to provide a clear and inclusive national mandate to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities.   In addition, ADA is to help include people with disabilities in society as active, contributing members.  The Act requires that the Federal Government plays a big part in enforcing the principles in support of individuals with disabilities.  

Who is Protected by ADA?

Americans with Disabilities Act, applies to those individuals with "disabilities".  

• Common examples of disabilities that are recognized by the ADA are physical impairments, hard of hearing or deafness, blindness, epilepsy, paralysis, HIV infection, AIDS, mental retardation, and specific learning disability.  
• ADA will cover anyone who fits the definition of "disabled" according to ADA.  
• The ADA will also protect parents of children who have disabilities. 
•  In addition, the Act will also provide assistance to those individuals who are discriminated against or have been retaliated against because they have assisted people with disabilities and in helping them with their rights under the ADA.   

Those individuals who have short duration, nonchronic, or minor condition is not covered under ADA.  Such conditions could be, sprain, broken bones, and the flu.   

What is a "Disability" According to the ADA?

Disability means " a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of said individual; a record of this impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.  If an individual meets any one of these three tests, the person is considered to be an individual with a disability for purposes of coverage under the "Americans with Disabilities Act." 

What are the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities?

The Disability Act gives the same protection to individuals with disabilities that are given to individuals of different race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.  It ensures equality for all people in public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, telecommunications services and employment.  

(Provided by Cyndi Weitzel, Andrea Schillinger, & Allison Mazer for fulfillment of EEX4243 11/01)

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