Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

This law makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified person with a disability in the private sector and in state and local governments. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business.

Employers Covered

Public and private employers with 15 or more employees.

Requirements

Equal employment opportunity must be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in all employment related activities. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for a disability when needed in order for a qualified employee to perform the essential functions of the job in question or to participate in any other employment related activity. Employers must also provide a reasonable accommodation for an applicant when the accommodation is needed in order for the applicant to have equal opportunity in the application process. Discrimination on the basis of a disability against any qualified individual in any employment related activity is prohibited.