What does the ADA provide for people with disabilities?
The Americans with Disability Act was passed by Congress in 1990. According to the provisions of this act, it is illegal for businesses and organizations to practice discrimination based on disabilities. All people, with or without disabilities, have an equal right to apply and obtain a job of their caliber. All employees, irrespective of their physical condition, are entitled to all benefits being offered by an organization. Some of the appreciable provisions of the act are as under:
- A deaf candidate has the right to ask for an interpreter (sign language expert) while attending any interview.
- A worker suffering from diabetes has the right to take frequent breaks during working hours to intake the required diet and maintain a proper blood sugar level.
How have people with disabilities been treated in the past?
In the past, people with disabilities had to suffer a lot – financially and emotionally. Organizations throughout the globe work towards increasing their outputs and subsequent profits. Managers thought that people with disabilities would prove to be liabilities instead of assets. They thought that their organizations’ productivity and performance would be hampered if they employed people with disabilities. At the social front also, people with disabilities were either seen as objects of mockery or were considered as pitiable. Governments also did not have much to offer to disabled people. But lately, things have changed for the betterment of the disabled.
How has the attitude toward people with disabilities changed over time?
During the nineteenth century (and before) disabled people were considered to be imperfect, dirty, and abnormal. During those times, disabled people did not have the privilege to participate in community programs and were left to be in solitude. But lately, things have changed for the betterment of the disabled. Thanks to the efforts made by governments, various NGOs, and individuals, society has started changing its approach towards the disabled. Governments have started various programs for the benefit of the disabled. Some examples are special schools, distribution of wheelchairs, aid in purchasing or fitting aids for handicapped, free eye treatment, affordable (sometimes free) medical treatment, etc. At the social front also several programs and events are conducted, like special sports for disabled people, oral medical care, etc.
What are some unique circumstances or issues encountered by people with disabilities?
People with disabilities encounter hurdles in almost all walks of life. To start with, children with disabilities are not treated properly by their fellow students. This inculcates a feeling of inferiority within them – this obviously lowers their confidence and as such, they can’t do well (professionally and otherwise) in their future lives. Grownups with disabilities find it difficult to find suitable jobs. Even if they get a job, it becomes very difficult for them to adjust according to the culture and surroundings – a disabled employee who needs a wheelchair to move around may find it difficult to ascend and descend staircases (unless a ramp is available).
What is being done to address those issues?
Millions of people have to suffer because of their disabilities such as persistent ailments, injuries, contagious ailments, being handicapped, underfeeding, etc. the number of such people is on the rise. We, as human beings, have a moral responsibility towards disabled people. The World Health Assembly has urged the World Health Organization to intervene and adopt measures to make the lives of the disabled less miserable. Schools and colleges have been given strict instructions to safeguard the interests of their disabled students. They are also advised to teach other students about their moral responsibilities towards the disabled – after all, being disabled is not the fault of the disabled. If children are taught at the primary levels, they will understand their moral responsibilities and remember them for the rest of their lives. As mentioned earlier, the Americans with Disabilities Act has strict guidelines for organizations and other businesses to provide the required facilities (in fact requirements) to the disabled.
What types of legislation have been introduced to address issues faced by people with disabilities?
Some of the legislations introduced to address issues faced by disabled people are as under:
- Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990: The ADA issues guidelines for enterprises about their dealings (related to employment) with disabled people. As per the provisions of the guidelines, no employer can refuse employment to a disabled person, who is otherwise qualified for the job. Even the advertisements inviting candidates for interviews cannot have any special clause that omits the disabled candidates. The full text of this Act, with the latest amendments.
- Fair Housing Act, 1968: In availing the benefits of the provisions of this Act, a person must fall under one of the following groups: “national origin, race, color, religion, disability, sex, and familial status” (The United States Department of Justice par. 1). According to the provisions of this Act, people from the above-mentioned groups cannot be denied renting or purchasing a house. While making agreements (rental or purchase), no special clause (other than the usual ones) can be added – terms and conditions cannot be different from those for the general public. The full text of this Act, with amendments made in 1988.
- Rehabilitation Act, 1973: This Act allows disabled people to participate (equally) and take advantage of the various government programs. According to the provisions of this Act, discrimination based on disability is not allowed. Some of the areas where this Act is applicable are government employments, government monetary aids, and employments by government contractors. Other provisions of this Act are similar to those of the ADA. The full text of this Act, with the amendments made in 1986.
Works Cited
The United States Department of Justice 2000, Federal Protections against national origin discrimination. Web.