American Disability Association

Synopsis by MobiLife, Power Wheel Chairs

The American Disability Association came to existence in 1990 along with the Americans Disabilities Act which has served the disability community by enforcing their civil rights, decreasing discrimination, and increasing the standard of living for them. The Association also supports and creates high standards for disability devices such as mobility and handicap equipment so people with disabilities are able to get around easier, as well as, improving the environment and public areas. They are dedicated to helping disabled people, through the American Disabilities Act, by stopping discrimination through employment opportunities, developing better transportation systems and providing better accommodations in public areas.

There are five Titles that the ADA is built upon: Employment, Public Services, Public Accommodations, Telecommunications, and Miscellaneous Provisions. Title I Employment, was developed basically so that people with disabilities are offered an equal opportunity for employment and cannot be discriminated against if they are considered a "qualified" candidate. Public Services are Title II and built up of two sections; one includes government buildings in local, county, and state areas, and the other covers public transportation. Section 1 was developed so that there are specific areas and devices such as handicap parking and entrances, as well as, elevators so power wheel chair users have easier access at these facilities. Section 2 makes sure there is public transportation such as buses. Public Accommodations, which is Title III, basically states that all public facilities such as hotels, restaurants, stores, and pretty much anywhere, have handicap access and accommodations. The third Title protects those with a hearing or speech impairment disability. They have developed a system called Teletypewriter, (TTY), that allows them to communicate to others over the phone. Title V protects all Miscellaneous Provisions. It states that the ADA cannot amend, override, or cancel anything in Section 504. By improving and enforcing these Titles, people with disabilities will be able to live a tremendous life.