The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA also falls under the purview of labor law, specifically disability law. The ADA is divided in three titles:
- Employment,
- State and local government, and
- Public accommodations and commercial facilities.
The ADA sets out rules prohibiting discrimination in all areas of public life. The ADA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
The ADA was established as a result of individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities challenging the societal barriers that led to their exclusion. The ADA sets rules establishing that people with disabilities enjoy the same guarantees as everyone else in terms of employee rights. It also establishes rules regarding employer’s responsibilities. The ADA protects job seekers with disabilities by setting rules regarding hiring people with disabilities and the job search process. Moreover, the ADA addresses job accommodations for people with disabilities.
See: 42 U.S. Code Chapter 126 - Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities and ADA.gov
[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]