Signed into law 36 years ago—on July 26, 1990—the Americans with Disabilities Act is a historic civil rights law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in the United States. The ADA impacts millions of Americans, as more than 1 in 4 people in the U.S. live with a disability.
Not only does the ADA prohibit discrimination by local and state governments, but it also provides standards for privately-owned businesses and commercial facilities, prevents discrimination in the workplace, and ensures equal access to healthcare, social services, transportation, and telecommunications.
Thanks to the ADA, we’ve seen key improvements to buildings and public spaces—like wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators, and wide doorways. Public buses and trains now must offer lifts or accessible boarding options. Public communication services now include sign language. Signage in public and commercial buildings include braille.
Five Titles of the ADA
As a law, the ADA includes five titles governing different areas: employment, state and local government, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
Title I: Employment
Under the ADA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees with disabilities. Title I helps ensure that people with disabilities don’t face discrimination in the workplace or during the hiring process.
Title II: State and Local Government
The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all government programs, activities, and services. This includes public transportation, which is why public buses are required to offer lifts or other accessible boarding options for wheelchairs.
Title III: Public Accommodations
Title III of the ADA makes it illegal for places of public accommodation to discriminate against people with disabilities. This includes hotels, restaurants, retail merchants, doctor’s offices, golf courses, private schools, day care, health clubs, sports stadiums, and movie theaters.
Title IV: Telecommunications
Title IV pertains to telephone companies, internet service providers, and other telecommunications companies. Under the ADA, telephone and internet companies must provide services that allow individuals with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate. The ADA also requires that federally funded public service announcements include closed captioning.
Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions
Title V includes a variety of provisions relating the ADA to other laws, state immunity, insurance and benefits, and more.
Celebrating the ADA
While people with disabilities still face many accessibility challenges, the ADA was a crucial step forward in enshrining equal rights under the law. To learn more about how the ADA has benefitted individuals with disabilities, check out the hashtag #ThanksToTheADA on social media.
