ADA and Other Disability-Related Legislation
The U.S. Department of Justice publication, A Guide to Disability Rights Laws, outlines legislation regarding the law specific to those who are disabled or those who employ or serve those individuals with a disability. The entire text of each section of this booklet can be read online and includes:
A GUIDE TO DISABILITY RIGHTS LAWS
Americans with Disabilities Act
Telecommunications Act
Fair Housing Act
Air Carrier Access Act
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
National Voter Registration Act
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Rehabilitation Act
Architectural Barriers Act
General Sources of Disability Rights Information
Statute Citations
Perhaps the most widely known are the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Fact
The Fair Housing Act protects against discrimination in housing based on disability. It allows renters to have guide dogs when the property is otherwise off-limits to pets. It also allows renters to make needed physical accommodations to their apartment or home. New buildings that will be rented as four or more units must have accessible doors, kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas.
The Americans with Disability Act includes four titles:
ADA Title I: Employment
ADA Title II: State and Local Government Activities (including Public Transportation)
ADA Title III: Public Accommodations
ADA Title IV: Telecommunication Relay Services
Advocacy groups and organizations for specific disabilities can provide you with information on how U.S. law protects the rights of the individual with a disability. They can also guide you in ways to remedy situations where the law is not followed.
