Americans with Disabilities Act  Tags: americans_with_disabilities_act disabilities disabilities  

Americans with Disabilities Act is a United States law that forbids discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities. The act, often called the ADA, seeks to protect individuals with disabilities that significantly limit one or more major life activities. Examples of such disabilities include blindness, deafness, deformity, muscular and nervous disorders, paralysis, and loss of limbs. The primary goal of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities are not denied basic rights and have an opportunity to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

The National Council on Disability, an independent agency of the federal government, developed the ADA in the mid-1980's, and Congress passed it in 1990. In 2008, Congress expanded the ADA's protections to people who can compensate for their disabilities by the use of medication, medical devices, or prosthetics. Earlier decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States had limited the scope of the act's protections.

"Americans with Disabilities Act." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2010. Web.  24 July 2010.

Public Papers of President George Bush -
Statement on Signing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
1990-07-26 

In addition to these materials, people with disabilities may be interested in large print books, audio books on CD, tape, Playaways and Downloadable ebooks and audiobooks  which are available at Montgomery County Public Libraries.

If you or a family member are looking for information or resources related to learning disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mobility impairments, low or no vision, contact either your local library, or the DRC at 240-777-0001 or TTY 240-777-0902 or email us: drcinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The ADA's Homepage with information and technical assistance on the ADA Act.

Maryland Dept of Disabilities - MDOD advances the rights and interests of people with disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities.

DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center - Learn about the history of the ADA, find out about anniversary events happening in your area, recommit to the mission of the ADA, and find helpful resources.

The ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This program is designed to enhance an individual's existing knowledge base or facilitate continued learning regarding regulations and trends under the ADA.