Small Business Glossary and Definitions

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of public life, such as transportation, employment, education and all private and public places open to the public. It is intended to ensure those with disabilities have the same opportunities and rights as the rest of the population. It includes five sections: employment; activities, services and programs of state and local governments; public accommodations; telecommunications; and miscellaneous. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, which became effective Jan. 1, 2009, changed the definition of disability so it would apply to all five sections.