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There are a number of Federal
laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. The main one is
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prohibits discrimination
in four main areas:
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Employment. The ADA makes it
illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability in all aspects
of employment. The law also requires that employers make reasonable
accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability. For instance,
if you have a wheelchair, your employer may be required to install a ramp
or modify your workspace.
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State and local government
services and public transportation. The ADA requires that all government
services be made available and accessible to people with disabilities.
These services include public transportation systems (see
Transportation).
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Public accommodations. The ADA
requires that all public buildings be accessible to people with
disabilities. Examples include widening aisles and doorways and installing
ramps for people in wheelchairs. Another example is putting up signs in
Braille for people who are blind.
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Telecommunications. The ADA
requires that telephone companies provide telephone relay services to
people with hearing and/or speech impairments (see
Assistive Technology).
Other laws that protect people
with disabilities include:
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Fair Housing Act. This law
makes it illegal to deny housing to a renter or buyer because of a
disability. Owners must also make reasonable accommodations to people with
disabilities. For instance, a blind person should be allowed to keep a
Seeing Eye dog, even if the owner does not allow animals on the property.
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The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act. This law requires that a free public education
be made available to children and youth with disabilities. It also
requires that the education be designed to meet their unique educational
needs.
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The Rehabilitation Act. The
purpose of this law is to help people with disabilities become employed
and independent. Among other things, the law established Centers for
Independent Living (see Help with Daily Living).
The Florida Legislature has many laws in place to help protect the
rights disabled citizens. |
