Policy Information

Disabilty Rights

Overview

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration

The 110th Congress should restore the ADA of 1990 to fulfill the intent of the law to protect people with disabilities from being discriminated against in employment, housing, transportation, public accommodations and telecommunications. Since 1990, Court decisions have eroded some of these protections, including the narrowing of the definition of disability, resulting in some individuals with disabilities not being covered under the law. Court rulings have allowed employers to say a person is “too disabled” to do the job, yet “not disabled enough” to be protected by the law. The case is then thrown out of court leaving the individual without the opportunity to do the job.

NASHIA supports Congress clarifying the “definition of disability” as originally intended by Congress and restoring full protection rights.

Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act Reauthorization

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act (Public Law 106-402) is due for reauthorization in 2007. The Act establishes state and territorial councils on DD, P&A Systems, University Centers for Excellence on DD and Projects of National Significance. The DD Act ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in the community. NASHIA supports reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Act.