Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed as public law in 1990 and became effective in 1992. The act is meant to provide protection, on several levels, against discrimination toward citizens with disabilities.

The act is written in five sections to address specific kinds of discrimination. Title one specifies that employers and labor unions are not allowed to discriminate against qualified applicants or employees who are or become disabled. An employer is required to accommodate the disability if it does not impose on the operation of business. Title two demands that government agencies not discriminate against disabled individuals in their programs and activities. Physical adaptation of a building to facilitate handicapped citizens is an issue addressed throughout the act.

Titles three through five focus on enterprises who offer public goods and services. These establishments are not allowed to deny goods, services, or programs to people based on their disability. Examples of such facilities include stores, restaurants, and hotels. Telephone companies are required to meet certain demands in this regard as well. Telecommunication devices and services must be made available to the hearing and speech impaired. Miscellaneous provisions including dispute resolution are addressed in the last section of the act.

A recent movie titled "Music Within," is based on the true life story of Richard Pimentel, the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is an inspirational story and an outstanding dramatization of the struggles faced by Americans with disabilities, especially during the post Vietnam War era. I highly recommend it.

For more information on the ADA, see these sources:

http://www.ada.gov/

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-ada.html

http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Legal/ada/adainfo.aspx

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ADA.htm

For more information on the movie "Music Within," or to watch the trailer:

http://www.musicwithinmovie.com/