The ADA, Part II

Abstract

This article and the one that preceded it report on the issues and implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Following an overview of the ADA, Part 11 focuses on the costs of compliance. A major provision of the act requires employers to make "reasonable" adjustments in the work place to accommodate disabled workers (e.g., revising schedules, job assignments, and the physical environment). The EEOC estimates that 80 percent of accommodations cost less than $500 and that the average cost of all accommodations is $304 (tax credits are available to help defray the costs of employment accommodations). The ADA specifically exempts those private establishments that are not covered by Title 11 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (e.g., membership clubs).