Rights of the Disabled

In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The purpose of the ADA is to eliminate discrimination against disabled individuals, as well as to provide clear standards to remedy the issues involved in such discrimination. At the time, Congress made several significant findings, including that 43,000,00 Americans possess one or more physical or mental disabilities and that this number will increase as the population ages. Moreover, Congress determined that society has been inclined to isolate and segregate persons with disabilities and that discrimination against such persons remains a serious social problem. Congress further recognized that, unlike individuals who have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or age, persons with disabilities have often lacked legal recourse to redress discrimination against them. Additionally, Congress acknowledged that disabled individuals occupy an inferior status in society due to characteristics which are beyond their control. Finally, Congress stated that this country's proper goal regarding disabled individuals is to assure equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and self-sufficiency.