What Is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990. It makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in everyday activities — things like getting a job, riding the bus, going to a restaurant, or using a government website.
Think of the ADA like other civil rights laws that protect people based on race, sex, or religion — but for disability. Before the ADA, a business could refuse to serve someone in a wheelchair, or a city could build a courthouse with no way for a deaf person to communicate with a clerk. The ADA changed that.
The law was updated in 2008 through the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), which made the definition of "disability" broader so that more people are protected.
Official Standard
"It is the purpose of this chapter — (1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities; (2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities."
Source: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
Who Is Protected?
The ADA protects people who have a disability — defined as a physical or mental condition that significantly limits one or more major life activities. This includes activities like walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, working, and caring for yourself.
You're also protected if you:
- Have a record of a disability (for example, a history of cancer that's now in remission)
- Are regarded as having a disability, even if you don't — for example, if an employer refuses to hire you because they think you have a disability
Common examples include mobility impairments, blindness, deafness, intellectual disabilities, chronic illnesses like diabetes or epilepsy, and mental health conditions like PTSD or depression.
Official Standard
42 U.S.C. §12102 — Definition of Disability
The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual:
(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;
(B) a record of such an impairment; or
(C) being regarded as having such an impairment.
As amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325)
The Five Titles of the ADA
The ADA is divided into five sections called titles, each covering a different area of life:
42 U.S.C. §12101–12213
The full text of the ADA is codified in Title 42 of the United States Code, Sections 12101 through 12213. The implementing regulations are found at 28 CFR Part 35 (Title II) and 28 CFR Part 36 (Title III), and 29 CFR Part 1630 (Title I).
How the ADA Is Enforced
The ADA is enforced by several federal agencies, depending on which title applies:
- Employment (Title I): File a charge with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days in some states) of the discrimination.
- Government services (Title II) and public accommodations (Title III): File a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ). You can also file a private lawsuit.
- Private lawsuits: Under Title III, individuals can sue businesses directly — but can only get the court to order changes (injunctive relief), not money damages. Under Title II, money damages may be available.
The DOJ can also investigate patterns of discrimination and bring its own cases. Many states have their own disability rights laws that may provide additional protections or remedies.
Official Standard
Enforcement Agencies
Title I: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — 29 CFR Part 1630
Title II: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division — 28 CFR Part 35
Title III: U.S. Department of Justice — 28 CFR Part 36. Private lawsuits for injunctive relief.
Title IV: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — 47 CFR Part 64
Source: ADA.gov enforcement overview
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