What is the ADA and what disability rights do employees have?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (amended 2008) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with a disability in all aspects of employment — hiring, promotion, pay, firing, job assignments, and training. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such impairment.

Covered employers (15+ employees) must provide reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified person with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job, unless doing so would cause undue hardship (significant difficulty or expense). Common accommodations include modified schedules, remote work, assistive technology, physical workspace modifications, and reassignment to a vacant position.

The ADA is enforced by the EEOC. Employees must file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days in dual-jurisdiction states) before suing in federal court. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages (capped at $50,000–$300,000 depending on employer size), and attorney's fees.