Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended
What Is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. It ensures they have equal opportunities in many areas of life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public places like stores and restaurants. The ADA also requires certain businesses and organizations to make their services, buildings, and websites accessible to people with disabilities.
Key Requirements of the ADA
Here are the main points of the ADA in simple terms:
1. Employment
- Employers with 15 or more employees must provide equal job opportunities to people with disabilities.
- They must offer reasonable accommodations (like flexible work schedules or special equipment) unless it causes significant difficulty or expense for the business.
2. Public Services
- State and local governments must make their programs, services, and activities accessible.
- This includes public transportation, schools, and government offices.
3. Public Accommodations
- Businesses open to the public (like hotels, restaurants, and stores) must remove barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities.
- This includes physical changes (like ramps) and digital accessibility (like screen-reader-friendly websites).
4. Telecommunications
- Phone companies must provide services like relay systems for people with hearing or speech disabilities.
5. Miscellaneous
- Includes other rules, like protecting people who advocate for disability rights from retaliation.
Important Dates
- The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
- Updates (the ADA Amendments Act) were made in 2008 to clarify and expand protections.
- Compliance deadlines vary depending on the business or organization, but accessibility improvements are expected to be ongoing.
Based on Official Documents
This explanation is based on the official ADA document. For more details, visit:
https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada/