Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Restore Intent of Americans with Disabilities Act

Thursday, July 26 marks the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In recent years however, the intent of this law has eroded — often not providing enough protection for individuals with disabilities.

Help commemorate the anniversary of the ADA by helping restore its primary intent. Ask your Representative to support people who live with disabilities and become an original cosponsor the ADA Restoration Act of 2007. Click here and enter your ZIP code to send a quick e-mail.

This bill aims to restore the ADA's clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of disability. In recognition of the ADA, Representatives Steny Hoyer (MD) and James Sensenbrenner (WI) will introduce the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 on Thursday.

Background
People with multiple sclerosis manage their symptoms with medication to help prevent or ease their disability. But that can sometimes make them appear too functional and preclude them for ADA protection from employment or other discrimination. Because of recent Supreme Court and other court decisions, the ADA no longer creates a level playing field for people with disabilities in the workplace and in our communities, as intended. For example, often employers claim a person is too disabled to do the job, but not disabled enough for protection under the ADA.

The bi-partisan ADA Restoration Act will amend the ADA to focus on whether a person has experienced discrimination "on the basis of disability," rather than requiring individuals with disabilities to first demonstrate that they are substantially limited in some major life activity.

Support the ADA. Act now and urge your Representative to become an original cosponsor of the ADA Restoration Act.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing this.