Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The ADA was passed to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensure equal opportunity in employment, government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibited disability discrimination in federally funded programs, but not in private employment or public accommodations. The ADA expanded protections to cover nearly all aspects of daily life.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters say the ADA was a landmark civil rights law. Critics argue compliance costs can burden small businesses and lead to litigation abuse.

5) Who or What It Controls

  • Employers (must provide reasonable accommodations)
  • Public entities and local governments (must ensure accessibility of programs/services)
  • Private businesses (must ensure public accommodations are accessible)
  • Telecommunications providers (must provide relay services)

6) Key Sections / Citations

  • Title I (42 U.S.C. § 12111–12117): Employment
  • Title II (42 U.S.C. § 12131–12165): Public services
  • Title III (42 U.S.C. § 12181–12189): Public accommodations
  • Title IV (42 U.S.C. § 12201): Telecommunications

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

  • Court cases continue to define what counts as “reasonable accommodation”
  • Ongoing debate about website and digital accessibility under ADA Title III
  • Some states pushing back on serial lawsuits targeting small businesses

8) Official Sources