AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 (ADA)

WHEREAS, more than 20 percent of all Americans have disabilities, and this is the largest, fastest-growing minority group in the country, as well as one which rapidly is entering (or re-entering) the mainstream of society; and

WHEREAS, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has, among other rights, required nondiscrimination and affirmative action relating to people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is being phased in this year; and prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment and in public services, public and private transportation, public accommodations and telecommunication services; and

WHEREAS, the ADA defines a person with a disability as an individual wh

has a physical or a mental impairment¾either apparent or "hidden" ¾that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities. For example: limits on the ability to perform manual tasks, walking, seeing, speaking are apparent disabilities, whereas HIV/AIDS, a hearing impairment or a potentially limiting condition that is controlled with medication like diabetes or epilepsy is normally a "hidden" disability.

has a record of such an impairment. For example: a "record of such an impairment" could be recovery from cancer or a mental illness.

is regarded as having such impairment. For example: conditions that people mistakenly perceive as limiting, like use of a hearing aid, or that employers believe may cause negative public reaction, like severe burns, a prominent facial scar, disfigurement, or an involuntary jerking of the head; and

WHEREAS, all public services programs, activities and accommodations must be in compliance as of January 26, 1992; and

WHEREAS, all employers and labor unions as defined under Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 must comply;

• Employers with 25 or more employees by July 26, 1992, and

• Employers with 15 or more employees by July 26, 1994; and

WHEREAS, ADA is the most sweeping civil rights bill to be passed since the Civil Rights Act of 1964:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers:

• reaffirm its commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all people with disabilities,

• prepare an educational campaign on ADA for its membership,

• encourage its locals to negotiate equal employment policies and practices for people with disabilities,

• will assist locals in setting up committees for people with disabilities and act as a resource in assisting school systems in setting up an office for compliance.