Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (commonly called ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to the protections provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.  It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

The ADA prohibits discrimination in all employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.  It also requires equivalent access in all places of "public accommodation," which includes a wide range of entities, such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, retail stores, museums, libraries, parks, private schools, and day-care centers.

Private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA's Title III requirements for public accommodations, although many will provide assistive listening devices voluntarily.