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Opinion: A look at the Americans with Disabilities Act
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2015/09/16/opinion-look-americans-disabilities-act/32514419/
With all the public discussion of the Bisbano’s lawsuit, it might be a good time to reflect on the Americans with Disabilities Act — why it was passed, what it says, and what it means to people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was a truly bipartisan piece of legislation, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. For the first time, people with disabilities were assured of rights that other Americans take for granted — the right to full and equal participation in government services and programs; the right to compete for and keep a job based on merit, not stereotypes; and the right to patronize businesses that are open to the public
The ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if people comply with the law. Existing businesses are required by the ADA to remove barriers to access by people with disabilities when to do so it “readily achievable.” Tax incentives are available for making access improvements. We recently passed the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Businesses have had 25 years to come into compliance, and most have.
Allowing businesses to violate the law is not only unfair to the majority of business that comply, it also denies people with disabilities the freedom of access that everyone else enjoys. Steps in front of an entrance to a building have exactly the same effect as a sign that says, “People in wheelchairs not allowed.” We wouldn’t accept businesses that discriminate against other groups — why should businesses be allowed to violate the rights of people with disabilities?
Usually, the Advocacy Center is able to secure compliance through simply informing business owners of their obligations. The ADA does not provide for damages against public accommodations that fail to comply, but it does allow people with disabilities to enforce their legal rights in court.
In order to help the public know whether places of public accommodation are accessible, the Advocacy Center has developed a simple mobile application that allows people to look up Louisiana venues to learn about their accessibility. The app can be found at access-louisiana.org
Accessibility for everyone is not just good citizenship — it’s good for business, too
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2015/09/16/opinion-look-americans-disabilities-act/32514419/
With all the public discussion of the Bisbano’s lawsuit, it might be a good time to reflect on the Americans with Disabilities Act — why it was passed, what it says, and what it means to people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was a truly bipartisan piece of legislation, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. For the first time, people with disabilities were assured of rights that other Americans take for granted — the right to full and equal participation in government services and programs; the right to compete for and keep a job based on merit, not stereotypes; and the right to patronize businesses that are open to the public
The ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if people comply with the law. Existing businesses are required by the ADA to remove barriers to access by people with disabilities when to do so it “readily achievable.” Tax incentives are available for making access improvements. We recently passed the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Businesses have had 25 years to come into compliance, and most have.
Allowing businesses to violate the law is not only unfair to the majority of business that comply, it also denies people with disabilities the freedom of access that everyone else enjoys. Steps in front of an entrance to a building have exactly the same effect as a sign that says, “People in wheelchairs not allowed.” We wouldn’t accept businesses that discriminate against other groups — why should businesses be allowed to violate the rights of people with disabilities?
Usually, the Advocacy Center is able to secure compliance through simply informing business owners of their obligations. The ADA does not provide for damages against public accommodations that fail to comply, but it does allow people with disabilities to enforce their legal rights in court.
In order to help the public know whether places of public accommodation are accessible, the Advocacy Center has developed a simple mobile application that allows people to look up Louisiana venues to learn about their accessibility. The app can be found at access-louisiana.org
Accessibility for everyone is not just good citizenship — it’s good for business, too