Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces Title II through an initiative called "Project Civic Access." The DOJ ensures that counties, cities, towns and villages comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by eliminating physical and communication barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community life. DOJ investigators, attorneys and architects survey state and local government facilities and programs across the country to identify modifications needed to comply with ADA requirements.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 with the goal of ending discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating in all aspects of the employment relationship — application, testing, medical examinations, hiring, training, assignments, evaluations, disciplinary actions, promotions, layoffs and terminations, as well as compensation, leave and other benefits. The ADA was revised substantially in 2009.

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect, enforcement by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has resulted in payments of more than $300 million by businesses to more than 20,000 individuals. Recent ADA cases resulting in punitive-damage awards up to $13 million make the importance of understanding and complying with the ADA clear.