Understanding Your Rights Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a critical civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various aspects of daily life. Enacted in 1990, the ADA ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to employment, public accommodations, government services, transportation, and telecommunications. 

If you have experienced discrimination due to a disability, understanding your rights under the ADA is essential for protecting yourself and seeking legal remedies. 

At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, our experienced Philadelphia disability lawyers are committed to helping individuals enforce their rights and obtain the justice they deserve.

ADA Protections in the Workplace

Under Title I of the ADA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal employment opportunities. This applies to employers with 15 or more employees and covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, pay, and workplace accommodations. 

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Adjusting work schedules or allowing remote work.
• Providing assistive technology, such as screen readers or voice recognition software.
• Modifying workspaces to ensure accessibility.
• Allowing service animals in the workplace.

If an employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations or discriminates against you because of your disability, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or pursue legal action.

Accessibility in Public Places

Title III of the ADA requires that public places, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and theaters, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This means that businesses must remove physical barriers when feasible and provide accommodations such as:

• Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Braille menus or assistive listening devices for individuals with visual or hearing impairments.
• Policies that allow service animals to accompany their owners.

If a business fails to comply with accessibility requirements, you may be able to file a complaint with the Department of Justice or seek legal action to enforce your rights.

Protections in Housing and Public Services

The ADA also provides protections under Title II, which ensures that state and local governments cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities in public services and programs. This means that government buildings, public transportation, and services such as education and healthcare must be accessible to all individuals. 

Additionally, under the Fair Housing Act, landlords and housing providers cannot discriminate against tenants or homebuyers due to a disability and must allow reasonable modifications to make housing more accessible.

Enforcing Your Rights Under the ADA

If you have been denied accommodations or faced discrimination due to a disability, you have legal options. At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, our dedicated Philadelphia disability lawyers can help you file complaints, negotiate accommodations, or take legal action against those who violate your rights. 

Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (215) 731-9900, and let us help you fight for the accessibility and equality you deserve.