"As a nation, we are best served when all of our citizens have the opportunity to contribute their talent,
ideas and energy to the workforce. "
Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social Security
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a recommitment to vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities into American life!
The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.
What to know more? Here are a few good resources for information on the Americans with Disabilities Act courtesy of ADA National Network (adaanniversary.org).
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‣Overview of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA)
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‣The U.S. Department of Justice provides free ADA materials. Printed materials may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line (1-800-514-0301 (Voice)
or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD)). Automated service is available 24-hours a day for recorded information and to order publications. Publications are available in
standard print as well as large print, audiotape, Braille, and computer disk
for people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions on the ADA
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law that protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination and provides for equal access and opportunity. Former President George Bush signed the ADA into law on July 26, 1990.
The ADA applies to situations in these five areas:
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1.Employment,
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2.State and local government,
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3.Public accommodations (private businesses),
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4.Telecommunications, and
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5.Transportation.
Definition of Disability under the ADA
The ADA prohibits discrimination against any qualified individual with a disability. Specifically, the ADA protects three categories of individuals:
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1.Individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
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2.Individuals who have a record of a physical or mental impairment.
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3.Individuals who are regarded as having an impairment, whether they have an impairment or not?
The ADA does not include a list of covered disabilities under the law. Therefore, to determine if you are covered under the law, you need to determine if you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
The definition of disability does not include simple physical characteristics, common personality traits, or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantages.
The ADA also excludes coverage for individuals who currently use illegal drugs, certain sexual disorders and preferences, and compulsive gambling, kleptomania, and pyromania.
For further information and questions regarding ADA relating to architecture design, business, employers and much more >> CLICK HERE
