Thursday, July 26, 2007

Clarify the ADA

Today is an anniversary - seventeen years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and President George Bush signed the bill on July 26, 1990.

Today, Rep. Hoyer from Maryland and Rep. Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin are introducing the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 to clarify and strengthen legislation to eliminate discrimination of the disabled.

Following the examples set by African Americans in the Civil Rights era and by women in the Women's Movement, disabled people began working to correct problems after years of discrimination and devaluation. Discrimination in this case introduced new challenges and required opportunities for education, employment and even independent living.

The law was written very broadly and does not provide enough protection for individuals with disabilities.
MSers who manage their symptoms too well may not appear to be disabled enough to be covered by the ADA. In recent years, courts have been quick to side with employers; in effect saying people are not able to do a job but not disabled enough to qualify for ADA protection.

Urge your representative to co-sponsor and support this bill. If you do not know, click here to identify your representative and send an email that may include a personal story.

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