Laws and Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. Its requirements also apply to the U.S. Congress. The ADA will help society to benefit from the skills and talents of people with disabilities, and it will lead to fuller, more productive lives for all Americans.

To be protected by the ADA, you must have a disability or have a relationship or association with a person with a disability. A person with a disability is defined by the ADA as: "a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment." The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

Last updated: August 2004

Publications

A Guide to Disabilities Rights Laws - This publication lists laws which protect the civil rights of those people with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities - Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles - This document explains the guidelines and requirements for accessibility standards for public transportation vehicles utilized by people with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities - This narrative, when combined with the ADAAG figures, explains the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
Appeals Process, The (No. 05-10041) - This document explains the steps to take in order to make an appeal to the Social Security Administration.
Delivering on the Promise: Self-Evaluation to Promote Community Living for People with Disabilities - As required by President Bush in Executive Order 13217 on community-based alternatives, this report, from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is based upon an exhaustive agency self-assessment and review and analysis of comments from more than 800 individuals and organizations representing diverse interests and disabilities. It identifies critical barriers to community-based alternatives for people with disabilities and commits HHS to take concrete action to reduce and eliminate those barriers.
How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights - This fact sheet explains how to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, if you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex or religion by a health care or human services provider (such as a hospital, nursing home, social service agency, etc.) or by a State or local government health or human services agency.
How to File a Title III Complaint - This publication details the procedure for filing a complaint under title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations.
Individual with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 - This Internet site contains information on IDEA '97, updates, speeches, training and many other aspects of this act.
New Freedom Initiative: Fulfilling America's Promise to Americans with Disabilities - On February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative as part of a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities. This Internet site is a source for information about the initiative's specific proposals that directly involve the Department of Health and Human Services and information about Executive Order 13217, "Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities," issued on June 18, 2001.
The Americans with Disabilities Act: Your Responsibilities as an Employer - This publication discusses the employer's responsibilities in regards to the American's with Disabilities Act. The publication uses a question and answer format to discuss reasonable accommodations, rights and responsibilites and how the ADA will be enforced.
Traveler Complaint Process - This fact sheet details how to file a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for any person who believes that there has been a violation of regulations while utilizing air travel.
U.S. Census Bureau on Disability - This Internet site provide documents about the U.S. Census Bureau's information on disabilities.
U.S. Department of Transportation Accessibility Homepage - This Internet site links users with U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) information on access to transportation, air travel for people with disabilities and DOT Implementation Regulations.
US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights - This site provides information and links on the rights of the disabled in the United States under the ADA. This site also lists current legislation regarding the ADA.
What You Need To Know When You Get Disability Benefits (No. 05-10153) - This on-line resource can assist with questions you may have after receiving disability benefits. It provides information on reporting changes that could affect your benefits, review of your case, and returning to work.
Work Incentives Improvement Act - This publication is a bill to amend the Social Security Act so it can expand the availability of health care coverage for working individuals with disabilities and to establish a Ticket to Work and self-sufficiency Program in the Social Security Administration, to provide such individuals with meaningful opportunities to work.
Your Right to Representation (No. 05-10075) - This publication explains how you may have a representative help you deal with the Social Security Administration.
Air Carrier Access Act: Common Questions and Answers about Air Travel for Wheelchair Users (Copyright © EPVA) - This publication contains information on the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and why it is vitally important for travelers with disabilities, their companions, travel agents, and others involved in air travel to know what to expect from the time they book an airline reservation to the moment their flight touches ground.
Employment - Title I (Copyright © DBTAC) - The following publication provides information about employment and the ADA. It addresses issues such as the definition of "disability" and how it relates to the employment.
General ADA Documents (copyright © DBTAC) - This site provides various ADA related documents that discuss different aspects of the law.
Olmstead vs L.C. (Copyright © NAPAS) - This fact sheet explains the ruling of the Supreme Court Case Olmstaed vs. L.C. as how it pertains to states developing and implementing services to provide community-based services rather than institutional placements for individuals with disabilities. This page also includes links to state-based advocacy services, and similar court cases.
Perspectives on Returning to Work: Changing Legal Issues and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (Copyright © ABA) - The guide is designed for people living with HIV/AIDS who, as a result of taking new drug therapies, are feeling well enough to consider returning to work, but are afraid of risking their public health benefits and/or private insurance. The guide offers practical advice on how to walk the health insurance tightrope, addressing issues such as how to retain disability status while still in relatively good health, and how to remain eligible for benefits despite a return to work.
State and Local Government - Title II (Copyright © DBTAC) - This site provides various publications about Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Understanding the Americans with Disabilitites Act (Copyright © EPVA) - This publication contains basic information about the American with Disabilites Act, as well as briefs about what each Title of the Act is intended to do.

Organizations

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