Immediate action is needed today to support the American with Disabilities Act amendments of 2008, which call for greater employment equality for disabled individuals. Today is the national call-in day to tell your congressman you want the amendments passed into law. Congress is scheduled to vote on the amendments tomorrow. Call now.
Background
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was passed with such bipartisan support that it was considered a mandate bringing long overdue civil rights to millions of Americans with disabilities. The ADA was intended to protect people with disabilities from discrimination at work and in public life.
As Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner stated at the House Judiciary Committee mark-up, “The ADA has been one of the most effective civil rights laws passed by Congress. Its continued effectiveness is paramount to ensuring that the transformation that our nation has undergone continues in the future and that the guarantees and promises on which this country was established continue to be recognized on behalf of all its citizens.”
Unfortunately Supreme and lower court decisions have excluded large groups of people with disabilities from receiving the employment protections. Would-be workers who want to pay taxes and participate in their community have been told they are “too disabled” to work but ruled “not disabled enough” to be qualified for equal rights under the ADA. This is not what Congress intended!
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is the product of meaningful negotiations and discussions with experts in the disability community, business and employer groups, Members of Congress, and congressional staff. All involved have worked to craft legislation that will ensure all Americans have a fair opportunity to secure employment.
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008, if passed into law, will help Americans with disabilities to join their non-disabled peers in helping to build and strengthen this great nation through work and active community participation.
Status
The bill is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives tomorrow.
Take Action
Call your member of Congress in the House of Representatives today and ask him/her to vote for the ADA Amendments Act of 2008! Click on “Take Action” then enter your zip code in the “Call Now” window.
