29 years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was passed, which marked a major milestone in protecting the rights of those with disabilities. It is regarded as one of the most robust pieces of civil rights legislation.
What Did the ADA Establish?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in areas such as employment, communications and transportation, as well as access to government program and services.
The ADA is broken into five separate sections, known as titles of protection. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Title I – Employment
Title I of the ADA entitles individuals with disabilities to the same employment opportunities and benefits as those without disabilities
An employer must provide reasonable accommodations to those applicants with disabilities who are otherwise qualified.In addition, an individual cannot be refused employment for a position that they are qualified to do.
Title II – Public Services: State and Local Government
Title II of the ADA requires state and local agencies to ensure that their services, activities, policies, procedures, and programs offered are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Title III – Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities
Title III focuses on public places, such as restaurants, movie theaters, and sports stadiums. It defines and requires the minimum standards necessary for any new construction.
Title III states that existing public places remove barriers wherever necessary, making “reasonable accommodations” for customers with hearing, vision, and speech disabilities, barring undue hardship to the owner.
Title IV – Telecommunications
Title IV requires that telephone and Internet companies create services (such as closed captioning of federally funded public service announcements on TVs) that enable any individuals with speech or hearing impairments to communicate.
Title V – Miscellaneous Provisions
The fifth and final title of the ADA includes many other provisions in regards to the ADA as a whole, its relationship to state laws, insurance benefits, retaliation, and more. It also includes a list of what conditions are not considered to be a disability for purposes of this Act.
Celebrating the ADA Anniversary
As we celebrate the ADA’s 29th anniversary on July 26th, it is important for us to acknowledge the importance of equity among those with and without disabilities.
To learn more about the ADA and the anniversary, The ADA National Network offers various resources, including videos and photos from past celebrations.
We Can Help
If you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability Benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-701- 5524.
Let Michigan’s experienced Social Security Disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.