The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. It guarantees equal opportunity for
individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment,
transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
The
ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620) introduced
by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) would seriously weaken the ADA. It would make it
easier for businesses to continue to ignore the ADA. It would also make people
with disabilities jump through procedural hoops rather than directly asserting
their right to ensure compliance with the ADA. Currently businesses
are incentivized to proactively comply with the ADA to avoid the threat of a
lawsuit. H.R. 620 would flip this incentive on its head, requiring only that
businesses demonstrate “substantial progress” is being made to be in compliance
with the ADA.
The United States provides a model for the rest of the world
in terms of the inclusivity of our public spaces. H.R. 620 is a direct
attack on that model.This
bill goes against the very principles of an inclusive America.
Passing the ADA Education and Reform Act would be a step
backwards for equality and justice. Contact
your Representative today and urge them to vote NO on HR620. All
Representatives can be reached through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)
224-3121 or (202) 224-3091 (TTY).
