The purpose of this memorandum is to inform employees of federal legislation and their subsequent rights under the law. On July 26, 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect. This federal law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment and in their access to the facilities and goods/services of most public places.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act covers employment. The following general rule is set forth: No covered entity shall discriminate against a qualified individual because of a disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring or discharge of employees, employee compensation, advancement, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
This section of the law is intended to include the full range of employment decisions concerning:
A.
Recruitment, advertising and processing of applications for employment.
B.
Hiring, upgrading, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right-of-return from layoff and rehiring.
C.
Rates of pay or any other form of compensation.
D.
Job assignment, job classification, organizational structures, position description, lines of progression and seniority lists.
E.
Leaves of absence, sick leave or any other leave.
F.
Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment.
G.
Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship programs, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities.
H.
Employer-sponsored activities such as social or recreational activities.