A Brief Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act

For individuals with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Using a question and answer format, this course provides a brief and accessible introduction to the ADA, a complex law that engineers with even minimal supervisory responsibilities must comply with and understand.

Topics: Being familiar with the types of employment and facilities covered Being familiar with the definition of a “qualified individual with a disability” Knowing the rules on when medical examinations can and cannot be required Knowing when applicants can be asked to self-identify as disabled Understanding “reasonable accommodation” Understanding “undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business Being familiar with requirements for accessible failities Understanding essential and marginal job functions Understanding when a “direct threat” to health or safety is present Understanding "readily achievable” barrier removal for existing facilities Knowing about available tax credits and deductions for employers

Intended Audience: intended for all engineers who have design or supervisory responsibilities requiring knowledge of ADA standards compliance.

Publication Source: US Dept. of Justice