Laws Protecting People with Disabilities

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There are a number of Federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. The main one is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prohibits discrimination in four main areas:

Employment. The ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability in all aspects of employment. The law also requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability. For instance, if you have a wheelchair, your employer may be required to install a ramp or modify your workspace.
State and local government services and public transportation. The ADA requires that all government services be made available and accessible to people with disabilities. These services include public transportation systems (see Transportation).
Public accommodations. The ADA requires that all public buildings be accessible to people with disabilities. Examples include widening aisles and doorways and installing ramps for people in wheelchairs. Another example is putting up signs in Braille for people who are blind.
Telecommunications. The ADA requires that telephone companies provide telephone relay services to people with hearing and/or speech impairments (see Assistive Technology).

Other laws that protect people with disabilities include:

Fair Housing Act. This law makes it illegal to deny housing to a renter or buyer because of a disability. Owners must also make reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. For instance, a blind person should be allowed to keep a Seeing Eye dog, even if the owner does not allow animals on the property.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law requires that a free public education be made available to children and youth with disabilities. It also requires that the education be designed to meet their unique educational needs.
The Rehabilitation Act. The purpose of this law is to help people with disabilities become employed and independent. Among other things, the law established Centers for Independent Living (see Help with Daily Living).

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Additional Resources

Publications

A Guide to Disabilities Rights Laws - This publication lists laws which protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. In addition it explains each law and provides contact information.
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/cguide.htm
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities - The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) provide criteria for new or altered facilities required to be accessible by the ADA. This version contains the requirements as originally published in July 1991 and includes later supplements and revisions issued by the Access Board covering state and local government facilities (1998), building elements designed for children's use (1998), play areas (2000), and recreation facilities (2002).
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm
Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page - This web page provides information and technical assistance with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
http://www.ada.gov/
Civil Rights: Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Protection Under the Law - This section of DisabilityInfo.gov provides links to information on the ADA and other federal civil rights laws pertaining to people with disabilities, their families, employers and community members.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=2...
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.
http://www.dot.gov/citizen_services/disability/disability.html
Vocational Rehabilitation State Offices - This site lists vocational rehabilitation state offices. By contacting your local vocational rehabilitation office, you will tap into a wealth of resources related to employment options for people with disabilities.
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM
Accesible Air Travel (Copyright © EPVA) - This publication contains information on the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and why it is important for travelers with disabilities, their companions, travel agents, and others involved in air travel to know what to expect.
http://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/accessible_air_travel.pdf
Americans with Disabilities Act: Civil Rights for People with Disabilities, The (Copyright © CDR) - This fact sheet discusses frequently asked questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also provides information on internet resources, books and videos that can assist people with disabilities.
http://www.disabilityrights.org/adatoc.htm
Employment - Title I (Copyright © DBTAC) - The following web site provides information about employment and the ADA. It addresses issues such as the definition of "disability" and how it relates to employment.
http://www.adaportal.org/Employment/Browse_TAM_I/Browse_TOC.html
State and Local Government (Copyright © DBTAC) - This site provides various publications about Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
http://www.adainformation.org/StateAndLocalGovernment.aspx
Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (Copyright © EPVA) - This publication contains basic information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as briefs about what each Title of the Act is intended to do.
http://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/understanding_the_ada.pdf

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

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