Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This act protects millions of Americans with disabling conditions from discriminatory practices in public accommodations (including colleges and universities), employment, transportation and telecommunications. The ADA extends the coverage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The ADA protects every person who either has, used to have or is treated as having a physical or mental disability which substantially limits one or more major life activity. Individuals who have serious contagious and noncontagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or epilepsy are covered under the auspices of the ADA.

Employment

State University System institutions, as employers of students, faculty and staff may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabling conditions and must reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants or employees unless undue hardship would result.

Public Education

State University System institutions may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabling conditions by excluding them from participating in or denying them the benefits of the services, programs or activities of the university.

Public Accommodations

Public facilities of State University System institutions, including student unions, museums, athletic arenas, auditoriums, libraries, recreational facilities, etc., must be accessible to individuals with disabling conditions.

Telecommunications

Telecommunication relay for hearing and speech impaired persons must be provided.

Miscellaneous

Prohibits either coercing or threatening or retaliating against the disabled or those attempting to aid people with disabilities in asserting their rights under the ADA.