Achieving equity

"The ADA is based on a basic presumption that people with disabilities want to work and are capable of working, want to be members of their communities and are capable of being members of their communities and that exclusion and segregation cannot be tolerated. Accommodating a person with a disability is no longer a matter of charity but instead a basic issue of civil rights."
~Disability rights attorney Arlene Mayerson, 1992

Last month marked the 24th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It was the first law passed anywhere in the world to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Like the Civil Rights Act that preceded it 50 years ago, it was a watershed moment in the struggle for human dignity, reflecting decades of advocacy in communities across the country.

The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (known as ADAAA) provide civil rights protections to people with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment, places of public accommodation, and government services, programs and activities. The ADA and ADAAA also ensure protection from discrimination based on disability.

In our ongoing work to implement this historic civil rights legislation, OHA is developing procedures in alignment with state ADA policies. In the coming months, our Office of Equity and Inclusion will partner with OHA Human Resources to provide information, training and other assistance with implementation.

I urge you to join me in supporting this important work. Together, we can ensure that OHA promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment where employees and the people we serve can achieve their highest potential.

Have a safe and restful Labor Day weekend.