Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)

Meaning & Definition

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law enacted by the United States Congress, is intended to protect disabled people from being discriminated against in both the workforce and within the private and public sectors. Specifically, the ADA requires all employers to give equal opportunity for employment and provide reasonable workplace accommodations to allow qualified employees who have disabilities to fulfill the requirements of their position in a productive manner.

Significance:

• Encourages unbiased and fair expectations at work.
• Employers must provide Reasonable Workplace Accommodations for employees.
• Promotes improved accessibility of workplaces, systems, and HR Processes.
• Decreases the risks of employee discrimination Complaints and resulting Legal Liability.
• Promotes a Diverse and Inclusive workplace.

Legal & Regulatory Considerations

As a general rule, covered employers in the United States must follow the ADA. 

Covered employers must do several things: 

• Not discriminate based on disability. 
• Provide reasonable accommodations until an undue hardship is created.
• Keep all medical and disability-related information confidential.

If an international corporate entity chooses to align its internal policy with the ADA principles, that is, in effect, a best practice for that organization.