Lesson 3: My Employment Rights

Introduction

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 was passed by Congress to address in a holistic way the needs of a growing disabled population, then estimated at 43 million persons. The legislative purpose was to provide:

1. A clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities
2. Clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities

Title I of the act specifically addresses the area of employment. The ADA applies to private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor organizations, labor-management committees. Only employers with 15 or fewer employees are exempt.