This page addresses federal law regarding accessibility, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and provides general resources related to accessibility in all types of communities. Please navigate to the Local Communities tab on the left for information specific to local communities, or the Online Communities tab for information specific to online communities.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs."
Is the ADA the only federal law which protects the rights of people with disabilities?
No, and it's also not the first federal law to do so--but it is especially significant because it established rights for people with disabilities in the state and private sectors. Previous legislation was much narrower in scope. The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 both came before the ADA.