ADA P.L. 101-336

I researched the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) Public Law 101-336. This particular law made provisions for equal access and reasonable accommodations for public and private services, including childcare. I will be very succinct in summarizing the five titles that this law covers.

Title I regards employment, stating that working conditions and hiring and firing procedures must be the same for all individuals, regardless of disability. Employers must also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees, as long at this does not create a hardship for the employer.

Title II speaks of state and local government and public transportation making accommodations for individuals with disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, title II covers public schools, extended day school programs and federally funded childcare programs like Headstart, my employer.

Title III states that all public buildings such as restaurants, banks, etc. must have access for individuals with disabilities such as wheelchair ramps, parking, and access in restrooms. Braille must also be posted on signs, when reasonable. Title III would cover all other private childcare programs.

Title IV regards telecommunication, stating telephones must accommodate people with speech and hearing impairments, such as being equipped for TTY (teletypewriter) service.

Title V is for miscellaneous provisions.

It is my understanding that Title II makes it necessary for state and local government facilities such as schools and Headstart programs to physically accommodate students with disabilities attending. Title III does the same for private childcare facilities and schools. ADA PL 101-336 is very important to special education because it requires schools and childcare facilities to make provisions for these children to physically attend (such as equipping the buildings with ramps, rails, and other necessary equipment). IDEA picks up where ADA leaves off in requiring the schools to provide the children with FAPE in the LRE and provide adaptive equipment, as necessary.