Abstract
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed by George H.W. Bush with the intent of prohibiting discrimination based on disability. It affects access to employment, state and local government programs and services; access to places of public accommodation such as businesses, transportation, and non-profit service providers, and telecommunications. This act was implemented to protect the rights and equality of the vast amount of disabled citizens in America. According to the Census Bureau, About 56.7 million people — 19 percent of the population — had a disability in 2010, according to a broad definition of disability. During the 1970-90 time period, before the ADA was introduced, only 26% of disabled individuals were employed. While the ADA undoubtedly protects the civil rights of the disabled, it has been argued that it has inflicted additional costs on employers and may therefore be counterproductive. Although the costs imposed by this legislation may be unfavorable to employers, many benefits regarding the civil and natural rights of the disabled have resulted as well. Therefore, while the perception of costs and benefits of the act may be left to the discretion of the individual, it may be concluded from multiple viewpoints that the ADA has been overall sufficient in achieving its purpose of prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
Faculty Sponsors
Charlie Harrington
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-8-2016 1:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2016 5:30 PM
Effects and Success of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Alvin Sherman Library
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed by George H.W. Bush with the intent of prohibiting discrimination based on disability. It affects access to employment, state and local government programs and services; access to places of public accommodation such as businesses, transportation, and non-profit service providers, and telecommunications. This act was implemented to protect the rights and equality of the vast amount of disabled citizens in America. According to the Census Bureau, About 56.7 million people — 19 percent of the population — had a disability in 2010, according to a broad definition of disability. During the 1970-90 time period, before the ADA was introduced, only 26% of disabled individuals were employed. While the ADA undoubtedly protects the civil rights of the disabled, it has been argued that it has inflicted additional costs on employers and may therefore be counterproductive. Although the costs imposed by this legislation may be unfavorable to employers, many benefits regarding the civil and natural rights of the disabled have resulted as well. Therefore, while the perception of costs and benefits of the act may be left to the discretion of the individual, it may be concluded from multiple viewpoints that the ADA has been overall sufficient in achieving its purpose of prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
