Let's Talk About ADA

Written by Dr. Betty Patten

01/28/2023

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The law is divided into five titles, which address different areas of life:

1. Title I: Employment - prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities by employers with 15 or more employees.

2. Title II: State and Local Government - prohibits discrimination by state and local government entities, including public transportation systems.

3. Title III: Public Accommodations - prohibits discrimination by privately owned businesses that are open to the public, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

4. Title IV: Telecommunications - requires that telephone companies provide relay services to individuals with hearing or speech impairments.

5. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - includes miscellaneous provisions such as the prohibition of retaliation against individuals who assert their rights under the ADA, and the definition of terms used in the law.

It's important to note that the ADA is a broad law that applies to many different areas of life, and it requires that employers, state and local government entities, and private businesses make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, to ensure that they have equal access to the goods and services provided.