{"id":4679,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/disability-discrimination-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T04:43:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T09:43:00","slug":"disability-discrimination-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/disability-discrimination-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Disability Discrimination and the ADA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Disability Discrimination and the ADA<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a> (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 expanded many of the protections. The ADA prevents small business owners from discriminating against employees based on actual or perceived disabilities.<\/p>\r\n

If a person can perform the essential job functions of the positions with or without reasonable accommodations<\/a>, employers must consider them during the hiring process.<\/p>\r\n

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/a> (EEOC) oversees disability discrimination law. State and local governments may have other regulations that expand on federal laws.<\/p>\r\n

This article reviews the basic requirements of the ADA and the employer’s duties to their workers.<\/p>\r\n

When Does the ADA Apply?<\/h2>\r\n

The ADA applies to all companies that employ 15 or more people. Covered employers cannot discriminate against otherwise qualified people in:<\/p>\r\n