The disability community fought for many decades for civil rights. In 1990, the ADA was passed to guarantee those rights under the law. ADA Insights disseminates in-depth empirical research findings and analysis of how Title I of the ADA is enforced. Families and other support individuals will find this information useful as they assist people with disabilities who have filed or are considering filing an ADA complaint.

Since the inception of the ADA, nearly 300,000 administrative charges have been filed under Title I. Some of the questions that ADA Insights can help families and other support individuals answer are:

• What are the outcomes of these administrative charges?
• What are the outcomes of lawsuits?
• What factors influence the outcomes of both administrative and legal suits?
• What have been the subjective experiences of individuals who have completed the entire Title I dispute resolution process?
• Do people with psychiatric disabilities fare better or worse than people with other types of disabilitis as a result of filing a Title I administrative complaint or lawsuit?

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) -- this country's most comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. The Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment (Title I), in public services (Title II), in public and private accommodations (Title III) and in telecommunications (Title IV). The EEOC is responsible for enforcing Title I's prohibition against discrimination against people with disabilities in employment.

Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in employment on the basis of a disability may file an administrative charge. The charge initiates an administrative dispute resolution process. After pursuing their administrative remedies, an aggrieved individual may file a lawsuit in federal court.

Dr. Kathryn Moss started investigating the enforcement of the ADA five years after its enactment. So far, she and the other researchers on her team have looked at how the ADA protects individuals with disabilities in issues related to employment. One of the core objectives of theresearch is: "to design and disseminate useful and accessible information about the Title I enforcement process for people with disabilities and persons who support them." ADA Insights is a major way this information is made available.

Dr. Moss and her team have strong relationships with the disability community. They have created an advisory board consisting of leaders in the disability community. They have been commended for partnering and hiring people with disabilities.

We have organized information that is useful for individuals who are considering filing a claim under the ADA or those who have already filed claims. There are some important choices to make - choices that could affect the outcome of a case. If you are providing assistance, we encourage you to leverage the experience of nearly 300,000 people and hopefully save time and effort.

• If the person you are supporting has been discriminated against, and is deciding his/her alternatives? Click here. Also, read the key findings about enforcement ­ this is the "big picture" analysis of how the ADA really works.
• If he/she is planning to file an administrative complaint? Click here.
• If he/she is planning to file a lawsuit? Click here.
• If he/she is considering mediation with the employer? Click here.
• If he/she has a psychiatric impairment, and has faced discrimination in the workplace? Click here.
• If he/she has a psychiatric disability and is considering mediation with the employer? Click here.
• If he/she has HIV/AIDS, Click here.

*2002 Psychiatric Services Article*

*1999 Psychiatric Services Article

*ADA Guide*

*Myths and Facts about the ADA*

*Checklist*

*Links to Useful Web sites*