What Is The American With Disability Act

B Confidentiality Of Medical Information

With limited exceptions, the ADA requires employers to keep confidential any medical information they learn about any applicant or employee. Medical information includes not only a diagnosis or treatments, but also the fact that an individual has requested or is receiving a reasonable accommodation.

B.1. May an employer store in existing medical files information it obtains related to COVID-19, including the results of taking an employee’s temperature or the employee’s self-identification as having this disease, or must the employer create a new medical file system solely for this information?

The ADA requires that all medical information about a particular employee be stored separately from the employee’s personnel file, thus limiting access to this confidential information. An employer may store all medical information related to COVID-19 in existing medical files. This includes an employee’s statement that he has the disease or suspects he has the disease, or the employer’s notes or other documentation from questioning an employee about symptoms.

B.2. If an employer requires all employees to have a daily temperature check before entering the workplace, may the employer maintain a log of the results?

Yes. The employer needs to maintain the confidentiality of this information.

B.3. May an employer disclose the name of an employee to a public health agency when it learns that the employee has COVID-19?

Yes.

Barden V The City Of Sacramento

Barden v. The City of Sacramento, filed in March 1999, claimed that the City of Sacramento failed to comply with the ADA when, while making public street improvements, it did not bring its sidewalks into compliance with the ADA. Certain issues were resolved in Federal Court. One issue, whether sidewalks were covered by the ADA, was appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that sidewalks were a “program” under ADA and must be made accessible to persons with disabilities. The ruling was later appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case, letting stand the ruling of the 9th Circuit Court.

Regulations By The Architectural And Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

SEC. 12204.

Issuance of guidelines. – Not later than 9 months after July 26, 1990 , the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall issue minimum guidelines that shall supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design for purposes of subchapters II and III of this chapter . Contents of guidelines. – The supplemental guidelines issued under subsection of this section shall establish additional requirements, consistent with this chapter, to ensure that buildings, facilities, rail passenger cars, and vehicles are accessible, in terms of architecture and design, transportation, and communication, to individuals with disabilities.

Qualified historic properties. –

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How Do I Ensure My Events Are Inclusive And Accessible

The following sample event checklist will assist you in ensuring accessibility at your events.

Invitation/Notification of Event

• Does the invitation clearly indicate that people with all abilities are welcome?
• Do appropriate icons appear ?
• Is the writing clear, in an easily legible font and size?
• Is the information embedded in an email as well as an attachment?
• Do the visual images depict inclusion, e.g., people with disabilities?
• Have you included a contact name and number for inquiries regarding accommodations?
• Is the notification of the event on your website as well as in hard copy?

Facilities

Who Is Protected Under Section 504 And The Ada

Section 504 and the ADA protect qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment. Major life activities means functions such as caring for ones self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. Under Section 504 and the ADA, a person is a qualified individual with a disability if he or she meets the essential requirements for receipt of services or benefits, or participation in the programs or activities of a covered entity. The question of whether a particular condition is a disability within the meaning of Section 504 and the ADA is determined on a case-by-case basis.

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Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2019

In October 2019, the Supreme Court declined to resolve a circuit split as to whether websites are covered by the ADA. The Court turned down an appeal from Domino’s Pizza and let stand a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling which held that the Americans With Disabilities Act protects access not just to brick-and-mortar public accommodations, but also to the websites and apps of those businesses.

Employment

The ADA has been criticized on the grounds that it decreases the employment rate for people with disabilities and raises the cost of doing business for employers, in large part due to the additional legal risks, which employers avoid by quietly avoiding hiring people with disabilities. Some researchers believe that the law has been ineffectual. Between 1991 and 1995, the employment rate of men with disabilities dropped by 7.8% regardless of age, educational level, or type of disability, with the most affected being young, less-educated and mentally disabled men. Despite the many criticisms, a causal link between the ADA and declining disabled employment over much of the 1990s has not been definitively identified.

“Professional plaintiffs”

Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Alabama V Garrett

Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett was a United States Supreme Court case about Congress’senforcement powers under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. It decided that Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act was unconstitutional insofar as it allowed private citizens to sue states for money damages.

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The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a part of the Canadian Constitution, which is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates. Section 15 of the Charter makes it clear that every individual in Canada regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, colour, sex, age or physical or mental disability is to be considered equal. This means that governments must not discriminate on any of these grounds in its laws or programs.

At the same time as it protects equality, the Charter also allows for certain laws or programs aimed at improving the situation of disadvantaged individuals or groups. For example, programs to improve employment opportunities for people with mental or physical disabilities may be protected under subsection 15.

For more information on the Charter, see Your Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The guide is an educational publication that explains the purpose and meaning of each of the Charter’s sections.

Us Airways Inc V Barnett

Decided by the US Supreme Court in 2002, this case held that even requests for accommodation that might seem reasonable on their face, e.g., a transfer to a different position, can be rendered unreasonable because it would require a violation of the company’s seniority system. While the court held that, in general, a violation of a seniority system renders an otherwise reasonable accommodation unreasonable, a plaintiff can present evidence that, despite the seniority system, the accommodation is reasonable in the specific case at hand, e.g., the plaintiff could offer evidence that the seniority system is so often disregarded that another exception wouldn’t make a difference.

Importantly, the court held that the defendant need not provide proof that this particular application of the seniority system should prevail, and that, once the defendant showed that the accommodation violated the seniority system, it fell to Barnett to show it was nevertheless reasonable.

In this case, Barnett was a US Airways employee who injured his back, rendering him physically unable to perform his cargo-handling job. Invoking seniority, he transferred to a less-demanding mailroom job, but this position later became open to seniority-based bidding and was bid on by more senior employees. Barnett requested the accommodation of being allowed to stay on in the less-demanding mailroom job. US Airways denied his request, and he lost his job.

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A White House Celebration And Proclamation Signing

President Biden and Vice President Harris hosted a ceremony at the White House to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the ADA. The event was attended by congressional leaders leaders from the disability community, including ACLs acting administrator Alison Barkoff and advocates who helped to ensure the passage of the ADA, During the event, President Biden signed a proclamation that encouraged Americans to celebrate the impact of the ADA and the contributions of people with disabilities and affirmed the Administrations commitment to upholding and strengthening its protections and continuing to advance equity, dignity, access, and inclusion.

The White House also released a fact sheet highlighting some of the Administration’s accomplishments and ongoing work to promote inclusion and accessibility.

Title Ii Grievance Procedure

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination prohibit state and local government agencies from discriminating against people with disabilities. In addition, the City of Seattle must provide reasonable modifications to existing policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access to programs and services. For example, allowing people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals onto premises where animals are usually prohibited is a reasonable modification of policy and practice.

If you feel that the City of Seattle has failed to accommodate your disability or provide you with equal access to a City activity, program or service, you have a few options:

• Work with Autumn Harris, the City of Seattle ADA coordinator, to resolve the issue directly with the City department.

  Department of Finance and Administrative Services 700 Fifth Ave., Suite 5200 P.O. Box 94689, Seattle, WA 98124-4689

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What Is An Example Of Non

This company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, this company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. This company expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Americans With Disabilities Act Of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It affords similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics illegal, and later sexual orientation. In addition, unlike the Civil Rights Act, the ADA also requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations.

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How Do I Ensure My Website Is Fully Accessible

People with disabilities use the Internet, so websites need to be set up for use by screen readers and people who need captions. Best practice is to ensure that millions of people who use screen readers can access your website. By making your website fully accessible for those who have either visual or auditory disabilities, you will be able to reach millions of additional views. In order to do so, all online videos and audio files should include captions. Add textual descriptions, often called alternative text, to charts, graphs, images and maps so that they are discernible by assistive technology. Add audio description for materials presented visually. Ensure your website includes a site index. Conduct usability studies for your highest traffic URLs for both your external and internal websites to verify that your websites work effectively with screen reading and other assistive technology. Have a plan in place to ensure that social media postings are accessible, including blog posts and newsletters. Many of these things also increase your Search Engine Optimization, increasing your reach. Watch RespectAbilitys webinar on web accessibility: . Has a person who is blind and who uses adaptive computer technology checked your website for accessibility?

What Is Prohibited Under Section 504 And The Ada

Both Section 504 and the ADA prohibit covered entities from discriminating against persons with disabilities in the provision of benefits or services or the conduct of programs or activities on the basis of their disability.

Section 504 applies to programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title II of the ADA covers all of the services, programs, and activities conducted by public entities , including licensing.

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How Do I Ensure My Exterior Space Is Accessible Physically

Ensure that sidewalks and exterior spaces are accessible for all by keeping them clear, including having a plan to keep them clear in inclement weather. Reserve ample parking spaces close to the entrance for those with handicapped parking permits. Signage should welcome all and direct guests to the building entrance. Curbs at parking and drop-off areas should have curb cuts. Is there a welcoming, accessible entrance that can be used independently by individuals with disabilities? Can people with physical limitations open other exterior doors without assistance? Everyone should be able to enter through the same main doorway. If not the main door, then ensure that the accessible entrance is a door with dignity, not in the back with the trash.

What Signage Do I Need To Be More Accessible

Communication starts by asking people what they need. Consider adding signs for accessible entrances, exits and restrooms. Bold decals can be used to mark glass doors, so no one runs into them. Explore alternative communication methods for individuals with specific needs or hearing impairments . Interior signs should be mounted with a centerline 60 inches from the floor with bold, high contrast, raised characters and braille text.

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What Is A Physical Or Mental Impairment

Physical or mental impairments include, but are not limited to: visual, speech, and hearing impairments intellectual disabilities, emotional illness, and specific learning disabilities cerebral palsy epilepsy muscular dystrophy multiple sclerosis orthopedic conditions cancer heart disease diabetes and contagious and non-contagious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV disease .

Ada Title : Public Accommodations & Services Operated By Private Entities

• Public accommodations* are prohibited from discrimination against people with disabilities.
• Businesses are responsible for eliminating accessibility barriers and providing accommodations when serving people with disabilities.
• Regulated & enforced by U.S. Department of Justice.*Public accommodations = Hotels, restaurants, retail merchants, doctors offices, golf courses, private schools, day care centers, health clubs, sports stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

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How Can I Be More Inclusive In My Hiring Process

People with disabilities have a lot to bring to the table, but they might need accommodations to get to the table in the first place. Make sure that candidates are aware that you are willing to accommodate them. Schedule interviews at an accessible location and keep transportation in mind. The most important thing to do is to treat any candidate with a disability with the same respect you would treat any other candidate.

Paralyzed Veterans Of America V Ellerbe Becket Architects And Engineers

One of the first major ADA lawsuits, Paralyzed Veterans of America v. Ellerbe Becket Architects and Engineers was focused on the wheelchair accessibility of a stadium project that was still in the design phase, MCI Center in Washington, D.C. Previous to this case, which was filed only five years after the ADA was passed, the DOJ was unable or unwilling to provide clarification on the distribution requirements for accessible wheelchair locations in large assembly spaces. While Section 4.33.3 of ADAAG makes reference to lines of sight, no specific reference is made to seeing over standing patrons. The MCI Center, designed by Ellerbe Becket Architects & Engineers, was designed with too few wheelchair and companion seats, and the ones that were included did not provide sight lines that would enable the wheelchair user to view the playing area while the spectators in front of them were standing. This case and another related case established precedent on seat distribution and sight lines issues for ADA enforcement that continues to present day.

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C Hiring And Onboarding

Under the ADA, prior to making a conditional job offer to an applicant, disability-related inquiries and medical exams are generally prohibited. They are permitted between the time of the offer and when the applicant begins work, provided they are required for everyone in the same job category.

C.1. If an employer is hiring, may it screen applicants for symptoms of COVID-19?

Yes. An employer may screen job applicants for symptoms of COVID-19 after making a conditional job offer, as long as it does so for all entering employees in the same type of job. This ADA rule applies whether or not the applicant has a disability.

C.2. May an employer take an applicant’s temperature as part of a post-offer, pre-employment medical exam?

Yes. Any medical exams are permitted after an employer has made a conditional offer of employment. However, employers should be aware that some people with COVID-19 do not have a fever.

C.3. May an employer delay the start date of an applicant who has COVID-19 or symptoms associated with it?

Yes. According to current CDC guidance, an individual who has COVID-19 or symptoms associated with it should not be in the workplace.

C.4. May an employer withdraw a job offer when it needs the applicant to start immediately but the individual has COVID-19 or symptoms of it?

Based on current CDC guidance, this individual cannot safely enter the workplace, and therefore the employer may withdraw the job offer.