United States Department of Justice - 1992
When President Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act--the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities--in front of 3,000 people on the White House lawn on July 26, 1990, the event represented an historical benchmark and a milestone in America's commitment to full and equal opportunity for all of its citizens.
The President's emphatic directive on that day--"Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down"--neatly encapsulated the simple yet long overdue message of the ADA: that 43 million Americans with disabilities are full-fledged citizens and as such are entitled to legal protections that ensure them equal opportunity and access to the mainstream of American life.
Enactment of the ADA reflects the embodiment in public policy of deeply held American ideals which treasure the contributions which individuals can make when free from arbitrary, unjust, or outmoded societal attitudes and practices that prevent the realization of their potential. The ADA reflects a recognition that the surest path to America's continued vitality, strength and vibrancy is through the full realization of the contributions of all of its citizens.
Introduction
This ADA Handbook represents one part of the overall effort by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) and the Department of Justice(DOJ) to provide information and assistance on the ADA to people with disabilities, businesses, and the affected public. It is intended to serve as a basic resource document on the ADA. EEOC and DOJ are scheduled to publish ADA technical assistance manuals, containing more specific information on how to comply with the law, in early 1992. Further technical assistance will be provided through training, videotapes, information hotlines, media outreach, speaking presentations, and other publications. EEOC has responsibility for providing technical assistance for title I, dealing with employment. DOJ has responsibility for providing technical assistance for titles II and III, addressing public services and public accommodations, respectively. Many businesses with 15 or more employees will be covered by both title I and title III of the Act.
The Handbook contains annotated regulations for titles I, II, and III, resources for obtaining additional assistance, and an appendix which contains supplementary information related to the implementation of the ADA.
This document is available in the following alternate formats:
At EEOC:
1-800-669-EEOC (Voice)
1-800-800-3302 (TDD)
At DOJ:
(202) 514-0301 (Voice)
(202) 514-0383 (TDD)
920420
ADA-HDBK-3INTRO
Copyright © 1992 - U.S. Department of Justice. This ADA Handbook represents one part of the overall effort by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) and the Department of Justice(DOJ) to provide information and assistance on the ADA to people with disabilities, businesses, and the affected public. It is intended to serve as a basic resource document on the ADA. EEOC and DOJ are scheduled to publish ADA technical assistance manuals, containing more specific information on how to comply with the law, in early 1992. Further technical assistance will be provided through training, videotapes, information hotlines, media outreach, speaking presentations, and other publications. EEOC has responsibility for providing technical assistance for title I, dealing with employment. DOJ has responsibility for providing technical assistance for titles II and III, addressing public services and public accommodations, respectively. Many businesses with 15 or more employees will be covered by both title I and title III of the Act. The Handbook contains annotated regulations for titles I, II, and III, resources for obtaining additional assistance, and an appendix which contains supplementary information related to the implementation of the ADA. Duplication of all or parts of the Handbook is encouraged
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.