Revisiting the Americans with Disabilities Act after Two Decades

Abstract

This article examines the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 20 years after its passage. It provides an overview of the history and major components of the ADA, examines who has disabilities and how they are faring, and traces how the ADA has evolved through court cases that have limited its scope. In addition, the article investigates abuse of the ADA, its economic impact, and the problems in defining a disability. Although the ADA is continuing to evolve, it requires significant change to live up to its magnificent promise.

KEYWORDS:

• ADA
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• civil rights
• disability
• disability economics
• protective legislation

Notes

Note. From U.S. Census Bureau (2006).

^a Persons might have more than one type of disability.

Note. From U.S. Census Bureau (2006).