Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Signed into law by George H. W. Bush
July 26, 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA covers both mental and physical and medical conditions. The statute does not include an exhaustive list of disabilities covered under the ADA. Instead, a disability is covered under the ADA if it affects one or more of an individual’s major life activities.

Enforcement & Remedies

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces ADA regulations covering employment. An employee who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of the ADA must first pursue his or her claims with the EEOC. After pursuing an ADA claim with the EEOC, the employee may file a civil lawsuit against the employer. Remedies available to an employee who is discriminated against in violation of the ADA include back pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages.

Notable sponsors: Thomas Harkin