The Americans with Disabilities Act was
created in 1990 and gives civil rights
protections to individuals with disabilities
similar to those provided to individuals on
the basis of race, color, sex, national
origin, age, and religion. It guarantees
equal opportunity for individuals with
disabilities in public accommodations,
employment, transportation, State and local
government services, and telecommunications.
The ADA is divided into Five Titles:
Title One: Employment
Business must provide reasonable
accommodations to protect the rights of
individuals with disabilities
in all aspects of employment.
Possible changes may include restructuring
jobs, altering the layout of workstations,
or modifying equipment. Employment
aspects may include the application process,
hiring, wages, benefits and all other
aspects of the employment. Medical
examinations are highly regulated.
Title Two: Public Services
Public services, which include
state and local government instrumentalities,
the National Railroad Passenger Corporation,
and other commuter authorities, cannot deny
services to people with disabilities
participation in programs or activities
which are available to people without
disabilities. In addition, public
transportation systems, such as public
transit buses, must be accessible to
individuals with disabilities.
Title Three: Public Accommodations
All new construction and
modifications must be accessible to
individuals with disabilities. For
existing facilities, barriers to services
must be removed if readily achievable.
Public accommodations include facilities
such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores,
retail stores, etc., as well as privately
owned transportation systems.
Title Four: Telecommunications
Telecommunication companies
offering telephone service to the general
public must have telephone relay service to
individuals who use telecommunication
devices for the Deaf (TTYs) or similar
devices.
Title Five: Miscellaneous
Includes a provision prohibiting
either a) coercing or threatening or b)
retaliating against the disabled or those
attempting to aid people with disabilities
in asserting their rights under the ADA.
Information courtesy of the Department of
Justice. |
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