Disability is an umbrella term that covers impairments and activity limitations in a person’s life. These impairments could be physical, mental, neurological, developmental, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric or a combination of some of these areas.
The disability law refers to a set of laws that were made to protect individuals living with disabilities from certain kinds of discrimination.
People living with disabilities are often discriminated against in areas of employment, education, access to public facilities and housing. Today, the disability law is largely governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law by George H.W. Bush on 26th July 1990. This law protects such discrimination from keeping a person with disabilities from having opportunities that others who do not have a disability are afforded.
Here are 5 facts you should know about disability law.
1. The ADA Law Did Not Exist Until 1990
There are several pieces of legislation that were designed to protect Americans living with disabilities. However, it was not until 1990, when the Americans With Disabilities Act was created to prohibit discriminations against people with disabilities and to ensure that they have equal opportunities for commercial facilities, employment, and public accommodation.
2. The Disability Law Is Still Very Difficult To Enforce
Many businesses in America have embraced the concept of creating inclusive spaces and work environments for people with disabilities. However, when there is a problem, the burden ultimately falls on the person with the disability to go to court and file a lawsuit.
Secondly, many violations often go unchecked. Since the ADA law is very rigorous, enforcement of this law needs to be strengthened in order to reduce discrimination.
3. Employers Are Required To Provide Reasonable Job Accommodations
Employers should enable people with disabilities to work with greater ease and independence by providing the required job accommodations. The law requires employers to provide modifications such as alternate workstations, reserved parking, ergonomic chairs, and flexible schedules.
4. The Disability Law Requires Effective Communication Which Does Not Exclude People With Disabilities
The ADA law requires that people who have vision, speech or hearing disabilities should not be excluded from the communication process. This means that institutions should provide different ways of communication to accommodate people living with disabilities.
For example, people who have vision loss should be provided with Braille or a qualified reader who can accurately convey the same message impartially. For the people who are deaf or suffer from hearing loss, a sign language interpreter should be provided. It should be noted, however, that the law does not necessitate any measures that would result in an undue financial burden to an organization.
5. Business Owners’ Are Encouraged To Evaluate Their Facilities
The disability law encourages businesses to make their facilities easily accessible to people with disabilities. This can be done by removing barriers, installing ramps and working on long-term projects on their buildings that are disability friendly.
There you have it; 5 facts you didn’t know about the disability law. Are you looking for a trusted lawyer to help you with your disability claim?
Raleigh disability lawyers at Disability Advocates Group are always happy and ready to meet with you and discuss your claim. They take time to listen and will go the extra mile for you to ensure that you win your claim. Talk to them today and get all your questions answered.