News Archives

GINA prohibits discrimination by health insurers and employers based on people's genetic information. The law also prohibits the intentional acquisition of genetic information about applicants and employees, and imposes strict confidentiality requirements. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) opened a 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule-making at a Commission meeting held on February 25, 2009.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time) on April 22, 2009 to address best practices to avoid discrimination against workers with caregiving responsibilities.

The National Federation of the Blind will host a disability law symposium on April 17, 2009 in Baltimore, MD. The purpose of the event is to discuss new perspectives on U.S. and international disability law. Register online.

On January 16, 2009, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a settlement agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve access for persons with disabilities at Wal-Mart stores around the country. Read the fact sheet on the settlement.

January 13, 2009 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice announcing that the United States has brought suit against the owners and operators of five Theater District hotels for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Dignity and justice for all of us was the theme of this year's International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On Thursday, September 25, 2008, former President George W. Bush signed into law S.3406, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008. This law clarifies and broadens the definition of disability, and expands the population eligible for protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For more information about the law visit ADA.gov.

November 7, 2008 news release from the Justice Department announcing that it has sued the owners and managers of the Rathbone Retirement Community, an Evansville, IN retirement home, for not allowing residents with disabilities to use motorized wheelchairs or scooters in the dining hall or in their apartments and for forcing out two tenants who used motorized wheelchairs.

Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Grace Chung Becker, and other senior officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) met September 8, 2008 with leaders of dozens of civil rights groups, as well as national organizations representing state and local officials, secretaries of state and attorneys general offices from across the country, to review plans to protect voting rights in the upcoming federal election.

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, along with several other federal agencies, held a national conference September 3, 2008 on providing services to individuals with limited English skills. The Top Tips document and the letter from Acting Assistant Attorney General Becker are being placed on the language access Web site managed by the Civil Rights Division. Also on the Web site is a video, brochures, and various technical assistance documents and planning tools, developed with two other federal agencies.

May 2008 report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) designed to help people better understand how the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, if ratified by the United States, might impact U.S. disability laws.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) asked for public comment on proposed changes to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The proposed regulations will establish specific requirements for the design of accessible public facilities such as courtrooms and an array of recreational facilities including playgrounds, swimming pools, amusement parks and golf courses, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy leisure activities and otherwise participate in society. Deadline for comments was August 18, 2008.

A historic, nonpartisan forum on national disability policy was held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, OH. Over a thousand Americans with disabilities and their friends and family are expected to attend the event to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The National Council on Disability (NCD) gathered public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress. The Council asked for input on disability issues including health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, assistive technology, recreation, emergency preparedness, early intervention and education. Deadline for suggestions was July 22, 2008.

Webinar took place July 22, 2008 and addressed how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protections to people who may not have a current ADA defined disability, and provide employers with information that will help them to avoid pitfalls that may be encountered when navigating this often overlooked area of the law.

This online conference took place July 15, 2008 from 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. CST. Representatives from Federal agencies presented updates on their ADA litigation, technical assistance and enforcement efforts over the past year.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today its intent to solicit comment on proposed amendments to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The proposed regulations will, for the first time, establish specific requirements for the design of accessible public facilities such as courtrooms and an array of recreation facilities making it easier for individuals with disabilities to travel, enjoy sports and leisure activities, play and otherwise participate in society. Read the complete text of the proposed changes.

An annual three day conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related disability laws, the 2008 conference was held May 12-14, 2008 in St. Louis, MO. Each year, the ADA Symposium brings together representatives from key federal agencies involved in implementing the ADA, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Access Board and the EEOC to provide comprehensive training and updates.

The U.S. Access Board held a town meeting in St. Louis, MO on May 12, 2008 during the National ADA Symposium. The event provided a forum for the public to advise the Board on accessibility issues and concerns.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued two new question-and-answer (Q&A) guides providing technical assistance for employers and veterans on workplace issues affecting veterans with service-connected disabilities. For more resources see the Employment section of the site.

Report issued on January 15, 2008 by the National Council on Disability (NCD) that examines employment, housing, education, transportation and other federal policies that affect people with disabilities.

Summarizes equal access requirements for people with disabilities as they relate to disaster care, housing and human services. This guide explains how applicable Federal laws relate to government entities and non-government, private sector and religious organizations. Read the complete guide by clicking here.