Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

ADA Titles

The ADA is divided into sections, called titles, each of which addresses a specific area:

Title I concerns employment, usually for employers with 15 or more employees. This title prohibits discrimination in application procedures, hiring, advancement, and firing of employees with disabilities (as long as they are qualified for the job) as well as in job training and other aspects of employment. For example, if an employer did not hire a qualified individual with a disability for a position because of concern about the person's special needs, it would be a violation of ADA. It should be noted that the law also protects those who become disabled while employed.

Title II concerns public entities, such as school districts and city and state governments, and public transportation. The law specifies that all programs and services of these entities must be physically accessible, and any policies or procedures related to accessing them likewise must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. The public transportation provision stipulates that trains and other public transportation must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Title III concerns public accommodations and commercial facilities. Hotels and motels, inns, recreation facilities, transportation, education, stores, care providers, and places with public displays are examples of enterprises covered in this title and that must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Although the law focuses on compliance by new construction, it also requires the removal of barriers, within reason, in existing structures. Some private clubs, religious organizations, and historic buildings may be exempt from some of the requirements for accessibility.

Title IV concerns telecommunications, requiring all U.S. telecommunication companies to ensure comparable access for individuals with disabilities, especially those with hearing loss or speech impairments. One highly visible result of this title was the development of telecommunications relay services (TRS), in which individuals translate between the consumer of the services and those with whom the person is communicating.

Title V concerns provisions not covered elsewhere in the law. For example, it prohibits retaliation and coercion for individuals exercising their rights under the law. It also articulates a dispute resolution procedure.

ADA Definition of Disability

The definition of who is considered disabled through the ADA includes three

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