The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted  in 1990.

Title I - Prohibits Discrimination in Employment

Important Information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Applicants and Employees

Employers responsibilities    Individual Rights

• Prohibits all employers of 15 or more employees from discriminating against deaf and disabled job applicants and employees. 
• It covers state and local governments, private businesses, unions and employment agencies. 
• It requires employers to provide "reasonable accommodations." 
• It allows for suits by the EEOC and the U.S. Department of Justice as well as for private individual victims.  Victims can be awarded back (and front) pay and benefits, compensatory (e.g., for emotional distress), punitive damages and attorneys fees.  Compensatory damages are capped from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on the size of business.

Title II - Prohibits Discrimination in programs, activities, and services of public entities.

Technical Manual    Highlights    Complaint Form

• Prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against deaf and disabled in government programs and activities.  Transportation systems are included. 
• Individuals or the U.S. Department of Justice can sue and obtain both injunctive and monetary relief (no limits) as well as the attorneys fees incurred by the individual.

Title III- Prohibits Discrimination in Public Accommodations

Technical Manual    Highlights    Complaint Process

• Prohibits 12 categories of private "public accommodations" from discriminating against deaf and disabled in "places of public accommodation" that affect commerce (e.g., retail establishment, social services providers). 
• Transportation is also included separately.  (Note: airlines are not included but are covered by the federal Air Carriers Act, which prohibits disability discrimination). 
• Individuals or the U.S. Department of Justice can sue for injunctive relief, but only the Department of Justice can seek money damages for victims and also civil penalties (capped at $50,000 for first violation and $100,000 for each subsequent violation).  Courts may also award individuals their attorney's fees.

Title IV- Requires Telecommunications Services for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Speech-impaired

• Requires relay services for deaf and speech impaired.

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