Disability Equality: 4 Federal Laws Protecting People with Disabilities
Federal law protects our rights in day-to-day life, and this extends to people with disabilities. Everyone deserves equal opportunities as they learn, work and participate in our communities.
True disability equality relies on protections that are already in place. In fact, countless federal laws secure the rights of people with disabilities in ways many people don’t realize.
While not an exhaustive list, our Public Policy and Advocacy Team compiled a list of a few highly impactful federal laws — read on to learn more and find out how you can impact disability law with Paraquad.
The Rehabilitation Act
Through several distinct initiatives, the Rehabilitation Act (RHA) of 1973 empowers people with disabilities to maximize employment, economic opportunity, independence and societal integration. This law prohibits discrimination in any programs and employment opportunities funded by federal agencies. It also covers elements such as:
Assists people with disabilities in pursuing post-secondary education, employment and independent living.
Enforces the hiring and promotion of workers with disabilities in the federal government.
Requires federal electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities.
This law was the first federal law to address disability equality. As for its impact on disability law, it laid the groundwork for a more commonly known law: the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prevents discrimination against people with disabilities in multiple areas such as employment, public accommodations and more. Just like other civil rights laws, it guarantees that people with disabilities legally have the same opportunities as anyone else.
For example, the ADA ensures that public accommodations are fully accessible. Under this law, doors in public places are required to be a certain width, allowing people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs to pass through easily.
The ADA contributes to disability equality through five different sections called titles. Leaving a broad impact on disability law, the following titles set out requirements for different kinds of organizations:
Title I: Employment
Title II: State and Local Government
Title III: Public Accommodations
Title IV: Telecommunications
Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions
This law constantly evolves, with new considerations being added as the world changes. As technology and media develop in leaps and bounds, new considerations will likely emerge.
The Fair Housing Act
By federal law, landlords, real estate companies and other entities such as banks and lending institutions are not allowed to discriminate when renting or selling properties. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects from all types of discrimination but explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
This area of the law impacted disability law by focusing on two areas of disability equality. One is ensuring that zoning and land usage do not hinder the residential choice of individuals with disabilities. The other is ensuring newly constructed, multi-family homes are built in line with accessibility requirements so it is accessible to all, including those who use wheelchairs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Nearly 8 million children with disabilities are in our public school systems, but the standard curriculum may not fit their needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes free, appropriate public education accessible to all and ensures special education and related services are available to children.
The IDEA dictates how states and other public agencies provide educational opportunities to individuals with disabilities from birth until they age out of the education system at age 21. The Act ensures disability equality through four parts:
Part A: General Provisions
Part B: Assistance for All Children with Disabilities
Part C: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
Part D: National Activities to Improve the Education of Children with Disabilities
The IDEA impacts disability law by authorizing grants to support special education, early intervention services, research efforts, training courses and more. This act ensures that children with disabilities will never be turned away from the education they deserve and the education system will continue improving over time.
Learn More About Disability Equality
Paraquad is dedicated to supporting an independent living philosophy for people with disabilities. Our Public Policy and Advocacy Team works to share information, develop systems and support changes that eliminate systemic barriers within our communities.
We believe that it’s important to know your rights and build your understanding to impact disability law. For example, equality means giving groups of people the same resources and opportunities. But some circumstances may call for equity instead — recognizing that each person has differing circumstances and allocating the proper resources and opportunities needed for equal outcomes.
If you’re interested in learning more about disability equality, disability equity or our legislative priorities for the year, contact our team at 314-289-4200.
