Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on Disability. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009.

Pronunciation

American English: /əˈmɛrɪkənz wɪð dɪˈsæbɪlɪtiz ækt/

Etymology

The term "Americans with Disabilities Act" is derived from the English language. It is a descriptive term that directly refers to the act's purpose: to protect Americans with disabilities.

Provisions

The ADA is divided into five titles:

Title I - Employment: Businesses with 15 or more employees cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Title II - Public Services: Public entities must provide accessible services and facilities.
Title III - Public Accommodations: Private entities that are considered public accommodations must comply with accessibility standards.
Title IV - Telecommunications: Telecommunication companies must provide services for individuals with hearing and speech disabilities.
Title V - Miscellaneous: Contains several provisions relating to the ADA as a whole, including its relationship to other laws, state immunity, its impact on insurance providers and benefits, prohibition against retaliation and coercion, illegal use of drugs, and attorney’s fees.

Related Terms

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Americans with Disabilities Act

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