The Americans With Disabilities Act: Happy Birthday!

This week, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was historic civil and human rights legislation. It has opened doors for education, jobs, and opportunities for full participation in society for persons with disabilities. We are a better country because of the ADA.

It is sometimes a good thing when what was once viewed as noble or enlightened behavior loses that status and becomes expected behavior. Once upon a time, if the best applicant for a job had a disability, it was considered noble or enlightened if the employer hired the applicant and made accomodations to make it possible for them to work. The ADA makes such behavior expected—it is the law of the land. It is an obligation of an employer to make reasonable accomodations so that a disabled employee can do the job they are qualified to do. It is an obligation of citizenship to make accomodations so that those with disabilities can rise to the heights of their talents.

The ADA is something that makes me proud of my country. Happy Birthday!

by: [ken covinsky]