What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability by employers, public services, and businesses. The ADA was created to provide individuals with disabilities in the United States with equal opportunities in education, employment, and access to public services. The law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. In Maryland, employers must comply with the ADA as well as additional state laws that protect disabled employees. The ADA defines a disabled individual as someone “with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Major life activities include things like walking, working, speaking, seeing, hearing, and caring for oneself. The ADA also grants protections to individuals who have a record of disability, as well as those who are regarded as having a disability. In Maryland, employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, training, and benefits. The law also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees, such as providing accessible facilities or modified work schedules. In addition, employers in Maryland must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, which broadened the definition of disability in order to provide clear protections for disabled individuals. This includes people with chronic physical conditions, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities. The ADA guarantees all individuals with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as those without a disability.

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