What exactly is the ADA and what does it do?
The ADA is short for the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law came into effect on July 26th, 1990. Amendments were made in 2009.
Q: So what exactly is the ADA?
A: Well it is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Q: What locations does it cover?
A: It covers all areas of public life including but not limited to employment, education, and transportation. If it is open to the general public it is protected.
Q: Why have this law?
A: This ensures equal rights and opportunities to a commonly oppressed group.
Q: What are the five sections and what do they cover?
A: The five sections include
Title 1: Equal opportunity employment
Title 2: Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in government
Title 3: Public accommodations in public and commercial facilities
Title 4: Protection of telecommunication
(ex: closed captions, interpreters, etc...)
Title 5: Miscellaneous
Q: Are service animals covered under the ADA?
A: Yes, service animals are covered under the ADA. A service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse only. Service animals are considered medical equipment.
Q: Is my emotional support animal covered under the ADA?
A: They are covered under the Fair Housing Act. An emotional support animal (ESA) is for the sole purpose of comfort to an individual. Unlike service dogs they are not task trained therefore have no public access rights.
Q: What is a reasonable accommodation?
A: A modification to an environment to enable a person to preform essential life or work related functions.
Q: Are businesses required to have handicapped parking spaces?
A: For every 25 parking spaces 1 spot must be handicapped accessible. This spot is often labeled for vans. What this means is that the space is wide enough to lower a ramp from the side of a van for a wheelchair to exit the vehicle in a safe manner. Only people who have a handicap parking sticker or handicap license plate emblem may park in these spaces.
Q: Who organized the ADA?
A: A group of teenagers at a summer camp for the disabled paved the way for the ADA. This camp was called Camp Janed.
Q: What are some examples of things the ADA has accomplished for the built world?
A: Things such as curb cuts, accessible bathrooms, non-transfer required movie theatre seating, elevators in public buildings, widened door frames, and ramps for public transportation are all examples of ADA accomplishments. Doors and ramps must be a minimum of 36 inches to allow room for a wheelchair. While we have accomplished a lot, their is still much work to do.
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