title: An overview of and comments on the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
abstract: The authors overview the key components of the ADA in this article. A discussion is offered on why and how persons with disabilities are discriminated against. Critical United States Supreme Court decisions are presented; these decisions have greatly limited the power of the ADA in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Even though the United States Supreme Court has narrowed the impact of the ADA in American life, a number of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) cases are presented suggesting this federal agency is attempting to protect persons with disabilities against discrimination. Finally, the authors deal with the topic of advocacy; advocacy may well be one of the most effective tools to help insure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected.
authors.affiliation: Department ofSocial Work, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO65804, USA.
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Pardeck
authors.forename: Jean A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pardeck