What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that was passed by the federal government in 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination in all areas of public life and is meant to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Washington has a state-level ADA law that covers employers with eight or more employees. Under the Washington ADA, employers cannot discriminate against an employee based on their disability in any aspect of employment, such as hiring, promotion, salary, or any other terms or conditions. Employers must also make sure that they provide reasonable accommodations that allow people with disabilities to do their jobs. The ADA also requires employers to make their workplaces accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as providing accessible restrooms, ramps and elevators, or adjusting workstations to be accessible. Employers must also make sure that job applications, tests, and other materials are accessible. An individual who believes they have been discriminated against due to their disability can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Commission will investigate the complaint, and may direct the employer to take steps to make sure the discrimination does not happen again.

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What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

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