Knowing your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is vital because it empowers individuals with disabilities to advocate for ourselves and ensures we receive equal opportunities and treatment. The ADA protects against discrimination in many areas, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, government services, etc. Understanding these rights helps us navigate and challenge barriers, fostering accessibility in all aspects of life. Additionally, it promotes awareness and compliance among employers and service providers, contributing to a more equitable society.
The definition of having a disability is if a person has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment, or is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
Under Title I of the ADA, employers must provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the employment-related opportunities available to others including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, etc. This law applies to employers that have 15+ employees, including state/local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions.
Title II dictates that people with disabilities must be afforded equal ability to use and participate in all government-funded and public services. All government-offered programs and transportation along with any mode of transportation meant to serve the general public, whether government-affiliated or not must comply with this regulation.
Under Title III, businesses have to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to access the goods or services that they offer. This applies to businesses and nonprofits serving the public (restaurants, hotels, theaters, hospitals, schools etc) and privately owned transit (taxis, airport shuttles etc). Additionally, commercial facilities only must comply with ADA standards for accessible design.
Title IV requires that telephone companies provide services to allow callers with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate, and public service announcements funded by the federal government be closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.
Lastly, Title V dictates that no disabled person is required to accept accommodations or differential treatment. Protection is given against retaliation for using civil rights granted by this act. This title covers remaining and previously undefined protections and stipulations. For more information on rights granted by the ADA, please visit ada.gov
