It’s actually a commentary on the fact that, despite legislation in the United States, many private companies and municipalities, to this day, fail to provide adequate accommodations and meet the minimum accessibility requirements for people with disabilities; both mental and physical. For many years, buildings, public transportation, recreational facilities and other public spaces have been inaccessible to people with disabilities. Stairs, narrow walkways, lack of handrails and uneven flooring are just some of the architectural barriers that have prohibited people with disabilities from the full and equal enjoyment of places of public accommodation. In July 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”), a civil rights law that established a clear prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA is a comprehensive law in that its goal is to address all facets of discrimination against people with disabilities. Title I addresses discrimination in matters of employment. Title II addresses discrimination in matters of public entities at the state and local level, such as public transportation, school districts, local public services and public housing. Title III addresses discrimination in regards public accommodations. This particular section of the law is the target of this video. New construction must meet the accessibility requirements of the ADA. Existing buildings must also remove barriers to accessibility if it is easily accomplished without much difficulty or expense. Title IV addresses discrimination in matters of telecommunication and miscellaneous provisions are addressed in Title V. Despite the fact that this law has been in effect for more than 25 years, there is still much to do.
