Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

What is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a landmark piece of US civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, housing, education, communication, transit, and access to public and private services. For employers, the ADA requires reasonable accommodations for qualified employees and applicants with disabilities and prohibits disability-based discrimination in hiring, promotion, and termination.

Why Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Matters

The law was significantly updated by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which took effect on January 1, 2009. The ADAAA broadened the definition of disability to ensure more individuals receive protection under the law, making it one of the most important statutes for HR professionals to understand.