ADA means Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a law enforced by the American government to protect the interests of the physically challenged people. According to this all Americans with physical disability have the right to use all amenities provided by the US government in various walks of life like schools, colleges, transport, technology and all sectors that are meant for public utilization. This law ensures that there shall be equal opportunities provided to all physically disabled just like normal individuals. This was brought in to implementation in the year 1990 and got amended in 2009.
What is ADA?
There are three titles in the amended version just like the old one with important changes in the definition of “disability.”
Employment (Title 1):
According to this, all employers should provide same opportunity to physically disabled people just like normal individuals. Right from application process to regular job functions all facilities should be equally provided to them. Employers with 15 or more working staff should comply with this act.
State and Local governments (Title 2) non-discrimination in Government sectors:
This title reinforces that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of disability in state and local governments. All public offices, departments and agencies shall follow this if they find the person and his/her qualifications suitable for the job. No disability of any kind should be a barrier to public services. This title also insists on making necessary modifications and amendments in various sectors to administer equal opportunities. It also emphasises on having effective communication with all physically challenged people.
Privately run public occupied places (Title 3):
This title completely prohibits any kind of discrimination on the basis of physical disability in private places meant for general public. These include hotels, restaurants, clinics, hospitals, schools, sports stadiums, theatres, pubs, clubs etc. If there are any existing discriminations against them it emphasises on abolishing them and re amending the old practices. US department of Justice regulates this law.
Telecommunications (Title 4):
Maintained and regulated by Federal communication commission, this title encourages people with disability to communicate to telephone and internet companies over telephone.
Other provisions (Title 5):
Under this, other miscellaneous provisions like insurance, illegal use of drugs so on are covered. This also states what kind of disabilities should not be considered disabilities.
These activities are carried out by the National network of ADA which has 10 regional centers spread throughout the country each of which takes care of the requirements of specific areas. They all are funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to meet various financial requirements of each centre. Some of the successful programmes undertaken by ADA network are ADA conference series, Accessible Tech Org, ADA case law database, ADA basic building blocks and other major projects of social importance.
Since its introduction the act has been successful in providing indiscriminate opportunities to physically challenged Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Various titles signify the importance given in various sectors there by leaving no stone unturned in giving equal place to disabled in the society.
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