Americans With Disabilities Act, legislation approved by the U.S. Congress in July 1990 that would bar discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities in the areas of employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunication. The Act defines disability as a condition that “substantially limits” such activities as walking, seeing, caring for oneself, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. It applies to persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, and cancer, as well as to alcoholics and substance abusers undergoing treatment. The law requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” for workers who are otherwise qualified to carry out their job duties. Other entities affected include educational institutions, which are required to make “reasonable accommodations” for students with disabilities.
