The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W Bush (ADA, 2009). The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarantees those individuals have the same opportunities for employment if qualified. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities from participating in State and local government services and public transportation. The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces the ADA, in collaboration with State and local civil rights enforcement agencies (ADA, 2009). The ADA was one of the most important pieces of legislation in U.S history, the act has both positives and negative effects on the disabled. The ADA has worked …show more content…
The Act defines disability as “A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual” (ADA, 2009). The definition of a disability is vague thus, is very confusing for individuals. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Labor Review, the ADA may have reduced employment for those with disabilities. In 2010, less than twenty-two percent of people with disabilities were employed (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Moreover, in 2015 the ADA celebrated their twenty-fifth year of an act. (ADA, 2009). In the years of being an act, the ADA has been successful. A real-life example of a business that hires special needs adults is Puzzles Bakery & Café in New York. According to Puzzles Bakery mission statement, individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to work in integrated settings with non-disabled colleague, work for the same wage, and be a part of society (ADA, 2009). Puzzles Bakery & Café is a perfect example of a for-profit business employing individuals with special needs. Furthermore, in 2008 the ADA was amended, changes were made to the term disability, which clarified the definition and the types of people who the act