National Council on Disability Calls for Changes to Americans with Disabilities Act

National Council on Disability Calls for Changes to Americans with Disabilities Act

12/1/2004 10:00:00 AM

To: National Desk

Contact: Mark S. Quigley of the National Council on Disability, 202-272-2004 or 202-272-2074 (TTY), Web: http://www.ncd.gov

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The National Council on Disability (NCD) today called on the Administration and Congress to support legislation that will "right" the course of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and protect the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Over the past two years, NCD conducted an in-depth analysis of the Supreme Court's interpretations of the ADA. NCD has determined that, while some of the Court's decisions have clearly liberated people with disabilities, e.g., Tennessee v. Lane, Martin v. PGA Tours, and Olmstead v. L.C., several of the Court's rulings involving the ADA depart from the core principles and objectives of the ADA. NCD's report Righting the ADA, which was released today, provides an analysis of the problematic rulings, describes the resulting impact on people with disabilities, and offers legislative proposals designed to restore the ADA to its original intent.

According to NCD Chairperson Lex Frieden, "The purpose of the ADA was 'to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.' The provisions of the ADA addressing architectural, transportation, and communication accessibility have changed the face of American society in numerous concrete ways, enhancing the independence, full participation, inclusion, and equality of opportunity for Americans with disabilities. However, the provisions of the ADA that have been narrowed by Court rulings currently do not provide the same scope of opportunities and protections expressed by those involved in the creation and passage of the ADA. Legislation is urgently needed to restore the ADA to 'assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency' for Americans with disabilities."

NCD is charged with gathering information about the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For more information, contact Mark Quigley or Julie Carroll at 202-272-2004 or 202-272-2074 TTY.

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