The Americans with Disabilities Act and How It Helps Our Society

Published on October 9, 2024 | 3 min read | LPL Financial

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 61 million adults, or 26% of adults in the U.S., are living with a disability. If you or a loved one is disabled, it’s essential to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990. So let’s dive deeper into the ADA and what it’s all about.

What are the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The ADA is a federal law that makes it illegal to discriminate against a disabled person regarding employment opportunities, access to transportation like buses or transits, public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants, and government activities like voting.

Under the ADA, employers, governments, and labor unions cannot discriminate against those with disabilities. However, they must make reasonable accommodations that allow employees with disabilities to perform their jobs. Reasonable accommodations are upgrades or exceptions that make it easier or more comfortable for disabled workers to work.

They may include changing work schedules or modifying facilities to make them more accessible. Essentially, the ADA guarantees that everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy American life, regardless of whether or not they have a disability.

How to Find Employment as a Disabled American

While looking for a job can be stressful for anyone, it can be more challenging if you have a disability. The good news is the ADA serves as a form of protection, and many employers understand that as long as they accommodate you reasonably, you can excel in your position. Here are some tips that can help you find a job.

• Participate in online career fairs.
• Check out disability-friendly job boards like the American Foundation for the Blind, The National Association of the Deaf, and GettingHired.com.

Financial Planning for Those with Disabilities

If you have a disability, proper financial planning is essential. First, you need to figure out how your employment situation will look and the various income sources you may receive. It’s also wise to consider your medical needs and the healthcare expenses you currently have and will likely encounter down the road. In addition, it’s vital to understand and maximize the government benefits that may be at your disposal.

Consult Your Financial Professional

If you’re disabled or have a loved one with a disability, consult a financial professional to help you design the ideal financial plan for your current and future needs.

Important Disclosures:

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This article was prepared by Fresh Finance.

LPL Tracking # 1-05160346