The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law that protects the over 54 million Americans with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit their daily activities, including working. Among other things, it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public and private sector employment in regard to:
- job application procedures
- the hiring, advancement or discharge of employees
- employee compensation
- job training
- and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
The ADA was amended in 1994 to also prohibit private employers of 15 or more employees from committing discrimination because of a disability.
In essence, the ADA requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” to the known physical or mental limitations of a “qualified individual” unless such accommodation would impose an “undue hardship” on the employer.
Access www.ada.gov for more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or call the Department of Justice ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301.
