The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed on July 26, 1990 put society on notice that discrimination against people with disabilities would no longer be tolerated. By enacting ADA the goal was to tear down obstacles that prevented handicapped individuals from obtaining access to employment, public buildings, transportation, and education. We can thank ADA for Denver handicap operators that have become a common place in public buildings.

Title I of the ADA forbid employers to discriminate against people with disabilities who were qualified to perform the job because of their disabilities. This section of the law covered job applications, hiring and firing, promotions, wages, job training, and other terms of employment.

Title II of the ADA covers public transportation. Basically, the act requires public transportation to be assessable with the exception of some trains and planes. The law applies to public entities and private businesses that provide services for the public.

Title III specifically addresses private entities that provide services for the general public. This part of the ADA covers hotels, bars, theaters, banks, gas stations, hospitals, museums, zoos, libraries, hotels, motels, restaurants, concert, schools, golf courses, gyms, and many other places that serve the public.

Title IV of ADA covers telecommunications. This act requires phone companies to provide people with hearing impairments with special communication devices. The cost to provide these services are paid for by surcharges applied to everyone's phone bill.

Title V of the ADA governs the administration of the ADA law. It also protect those who report violations.

In summary, ADA has caused doors to open allowing people with disabilities to walk and/or roll through.