Legislation and Milestones in the Fight for Disability Rights
Late 20th Century to Today
1990 • AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, state and local governments, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.
1999 • THE OLMSTEAD DECISION (OLMSTEAD V L.C.)
In Olmstead v. L.C., the United States Supreme Court held that people with disabilities have the right to live and receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
2002 • THE NEW YORK MOST INTEGRATED SETTING COORDINATING COUNCIL (MISCC)
After the 1999 Olmstead decision, the MISCC was created to support statewide planning efforts related to helping individuals with disabilities live in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs.
2008 • ADA AMENDMENT ACT (ADAAA)
After going into effect, the ADAAA expanded the definition of disability by broadening the scope of “major life activities,” and establishing that positive effects of treatment, such as medication, do not negate a disability.
2022 • WEB ACCESSIBILITY
Court rulings prompted new guidance to ensure greater digital accessibility across websites, mobile apps, and virtual spaces, making them usable by everyone.
