What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life. Title I covers employment, Title II covers state and local government, Title III Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities, Title IV applies to telecommunications and finally Title V, which contains miscellaneous provisions.