What is the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various facets of public life, including education, employment, transportation, and more. The ADA aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This includes access to education and the requirement for schools to make reasonable accommodations that allow students with disabilities to participate fully in the educational system.

While enhancing school building accessibility, providing federal funding for special education, and enforcing standardized testing protocols are important components of supporting students with disabilities, they do not capture the overarching purpose of the ADA. The ADA's central focus is on preventing discrimination and promoting equal rights, which is foundational for the other areas of consideration. Understanding this foundational principle helps clarify why the ADA is a critical piece of legislation in advocating for individuals with disabilities.