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FOIA Number: 2007-0143-F
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
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ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 1994
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31
2
9
3
July 26, 1994
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
DATE:
Wednesday July 27th, 1994
TIME:
10:30 AM
LOCATION: The White House South Lawn
From:
Mike Lux
Debbie Fine
through Alexis Herman
I.
PURPOSE
The purposes of this event are:
1) to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
implementation of the final phase of the law;
2) to make the connection between universal health coverage and the ADA, whereby
guaranteed insurance for all Americans helps make the promise of the ADA a reality; and
3) to restate the importance of universal coverage, achieved by building on the current
employer based system of shared responsibility.
II.
BACKGROUND
This event, with approximately 3,000 participants, is the largest event we have yet done at the
White House. Water bottles and fans will be provided for each participant, with the
following printed on each: "INDEPENDENCE SECURITY With Universal Health
Coverage and the ADA Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary 1994."
On Health Care and the ADA
According to the Bureau of Census there are 49 million people with disabilities. The
anniversary of the ADA is called Independence Day for people with disabilities. People with
disabilities and their families cannot become truly independent until they achieve economic
independence. For many, their disability status -- compounded by the lack of available and
affordable assistance -- renders them unable to get health insurance, and therefore hurts their
job prospects. They are either not hired because of the insurance 'risk' they pose, or they opt
not to work because they fear losing the health benefits they now get through Medicaid.
Passage of a health care bill that achieves universal coverage with no pre-existing conditions
and no life-time limits on care would eliminate a strong disincentive for employment, and
help make what the Americans with Disabilities Act aims to achieve into reality.
As a major piece of civil rights legislation, one of the goals of the ADA is to include people
with disabilities in mainstream society. Universal health coverage extends this principle of
inclusion in another form for people with disabilities.
Health care that provides long-term home and community-based care is also directly
connected to achieving independence for people with disabilities. Many people with
disabilities require some form of personal assistance services in order to work. Judy
Heumann, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education for the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services, is an example of someone who has been able to
develop an effective and successful career because of personal attendant services.
Those who fought to pass the ADA in 1990, say that the health care insurance piece was
severely weakened with compromise language early on because of the sense that it was
politically unrealistic. The community recognizes this administration's fight for universal
coverage and its role in making health care reform a possibility; they are very grateful for
this.
Health Care Activity
The disability community has been very active in the health care reform debate and in general
has been supportive of the administration's approach to health care reform, although initially
much of the community was more sympathetic to the single payer approach. The disability
rights activists have been working to educate and activate the grassroots network.
Since May 2nd, when both the Bridge to Freedom March and Rally and your event with
people with disabilities at the White House were held, the disability community has markedly
stepped up its level of activity. You asked them to take the lead in the fight for health care
reform, and they responded. They have been very active on Capitol Hill and are working
hard to heighten the level of grassroots activity. They have also participated in the Health
Security Express bus tour.
Some of the activities on health care this week include a "Real Health Care For All" rally on
Capitol Hill organized by Senator Kennedy. The National Council on Disability also released
a report on its findings on what the disability community wants from health care reform,
which support the administration's approach to reform. Throughout this week, many of the
participants of the White House event are going to Capitol Hill to lobby Members of
Congress to pass a health care reform bill that achieves universal coverage, in addition to
home and community based long term care and other issues of importance to the community.
The community should be acknowledged for accepting your challenge from May 2nd, and
urged to do much more in the coming critical weeks -- both on Capitol Hill and in their
communities.
Issues to Highlight on Health Care
The issues in the health care debate most important to the disability community are:
universal coverage with no pre-existing conditions and no life-time limits;
a defined comprehensive benefits package; and
home and community-based long-term care, with personal assistance services.
Two aspects of the Health Security Act that the disability community considered critical and
that they have pursued on Capitol Hill are:
A broad range of personal assistance services will be available to children and adults
with severe disabilities, through the home and community based long term care.
Personal assistance services has been the primary goal for the disability community
because it is identified as the mechanism that allows people with disabilities to
participate in society.
Tax credits for employees with disabilities who require personal assistance with daily
tasks.
On the ADA This Year
As you know, the ADA, signed into law in 1990, eliminates discrimination in access,
employment, transportation and communications for Americans with disabilities. This year
marks the fourth anniversary of enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and
implementation of the final phase of the law -- which requires small businesses that employ
fifteen or more employees to comply with the employment provisions of the law. This will
affect an additional 400,000 private businesses and 100,000 organizations and non-profits this
year, amounting to a total of two million businesses covered by the ADA. (Businesses with
25 or more employees were required to comply by July 26, 1992.)
According to the United Cerebral Palsey Associations 1994 ADA Report Card on America,
employment of people with disabilities is lagging behind in both full and part time jobs and
in perceived commitment from employers. Some cite the small business requirement as being
the most important because it opens the door to job opportunities for people with disabilities
in small businesses, which according to the Dole Foundation employ 86% of America's
workforce.
Furthermore, by making businesses accessible for customers with disabilities, UCPA cites that
there has been a 12% increase in customer base in the retail and hospitality industry alone.
History of the ADA
The passage of the ADA was driven by a growing realization that government was spending
far too much on custodialism and medical and income support in ways that perpetuated the
isolation and dependency of people with disabilities, while spending far too little on measures
that would enable people with disabilities to live productively and independently.
July 26, 1990:
The ADA was signed into law.
January 26, 1992:
Public accommodations were required to have facilities accessible.
Local municipalities and state governments were required to be
accessible.
Paratransit services were required.
July 26, 1992:
Businesses employing 25 or more workers were prohibited from
discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all
aspects of employment.
July 26, 1993:
Telephone relay services were required at all times in all states.
Some transit and commuter stations were required to comply with some
exceptions extended up to 20 years.
July 26, 1994:
Small businesses employing fifteen or more employees must comply
with the ADA employment provisions.
Some of the transportation provisions are phased in until 2010.
Issues of Concern with the Administration and Enforcement of the ADA
Department of Justice: Throughout the last two years, disability rights groups and Members
of Congress have expressed concerns about limited resources dedicated to ADA enforcement
that have resulted in an inability to investigate every complaint received against public
accommodations.
Department of Transportation: The Department of Transportation recently extended the
date by which the Washington D.C. metro system had to comply with the ADA by 6-12
months. Currently many of the metro stations have platforms without any system that signals
the edge of the platform for blind people (i.e. building in a truncated dome at the edge of all
platforms). The leadership of the disability community has perceived this as "backing away"
from the ADA. A meeting with disability leaders and Secretary Pena is scheduled for
Tuesday, July 26.
Reinventing Government: The ADA is often cited by the administration as an example of
unfunded mandates. The disability rights community views this as a negative definition of
the ADA, and continue to argue that "unfunded mandate" is a mis-classification for civil
rights legislation.
Political Background on the Disability Community
With the signing of the ADA in 1990, George Bush and the Republican Party got a lot of
credit in the disability community. Although there were many Democratic Representatives
and Senators who worked very hard to pass the ADA -- they were not recognized for their
efforts at the Bush signing ceremony. (Democrats did not even have reserved seats, while the
Republican Members of Congress did.)
The politics of the disability community are complicated and often volatile. During the
campaign, leaders on both the national and the grassroots level were periodically disappointed
with the perceived lack of inclusion of people with disabilities in speeches and events. There
have also been issues around personnel, with leaders in the community feeling we haven't
done a good job of placing people with the disabilities into jobs. The administration has
increasingly reached out to the community on several issues, including health care, which has
resulted in a very good relationship with the community. This is the fourth Presidential
event, Mrs. Clinton has participated in several health care events with the community, and
Mrs. Gore is viewed as a hero in the mental health and developmental disability community.
We would also note that this community is particularly sensitive to being treated differently
from others and to any hint of being patronized. Describing people with disabilities as any
more "courageous" or "inspirational" than anyone else should be avoided, as should people
being described as "frail" or "fragile". The phrase "shackles of a wheelchair" is another one
that definitely sets people off.
Statistical Background
Following are some relevant statistics:
While 15% of people with no disability are without coverage; 35 % of people with
disabilities (including severe and non-severe) are without coverage. (Bureau of Census
1/94)
Due to a variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions, an estimated 49 million
noninstitutionalized Americans have a disability (20%). Of these persons, 24 million
have a "severe" disability. (Bureau of Census 1/94)
Severe disabilities reduce employment chances. Those with disabilities constituted
13% of all employed persons; those with a severe disability comprised 3%. Although
having a less than severe disability does not have a large effect on one's chance of
being employed, having a severe disability does. Among person 2-64 years old, 81%
without a disability and 76% with a disability that was not severe were employed.
However, just 23% with a severe disability worked. Data show that persons with a
disability -- particularly a severe one -- earn less than those without one. (Bureau of
Census 1/94)
According to the Dole Foundation, two-thirds of Americans with disabilities between
the ages of 16 and 64 are not working. The cost to America is estimated $200 billion
dollars annually in private and public payments and an additional $100 billion in
unrealized wages and taxes.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
From the White House:
The President
The Vice President
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Mary Elizabeth Gore
From the Administration: (None have speaking roles.)
Attorney General Reno
Secretary Pena
Secretary Riley
Secretary Shalala
Secretary Jesse Brown
Dr. Lee Brown, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Deval Patrick, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
Judy Heumann: (HUMAN)
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitation Services at the Department of
Education. She is on stage because of her significant
contribution to passage of the ADA, rather than because
of her position in the administration. She is a great
example of someone with a disability who was able to
develop a successful career because of personal assistance
services. She has been a long-time, loyal supporter of
yours, and was a key advisor to us during the campaign.
NOTE:
Of the above mentioned representatives of the administration, only the Attorney
General, Secretary Pena and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights have
enforcement responsibilities of the ADA. The others have technical assistance
and education responsibilities.
From the Community (None have speaking roles):
Marca Bristo:
She was recently confirmed as Chair of the National Council on
Disability, although she has not yet been sworn in. She has been a
longtime ADA and health care activist, as well as a strong supporter of
the administration.
Judi Chamberlin:
She works at the National Empowerment Center in Lawrence,
Massachusetts and leads the psychiatric survivors movement in Boston.
She was very active in the ADA movement and continues to be very
active now in the health care reform debate.
Brian Clukey:
He is the President of People First of Northern Virginia, who recently
chaired a 700 person People First national conference. People First is
an organization of citizens with developmental disabilities who are
learning to advocate for their rights and become actively involved in
their communities. He attended the May 2nd health care event with
people with disabilities, and is active in the health care reform debate.
He works at a Washington D.C. law firm in a support capacity.
Tony Coehlo:
Chair of the President's Committee on the Employment of People with
Disabilities. As you know, he has epilepsy and his struggle with the
disease was a major factor in influencing his career. He introduced the
original version of the ADA in the House, and after leaving Congress
was a leader in the campaign for its passage. We would note that the
President's Committee took a lead role in helping organize and fund this
event. They have devoted tremendous staff resources to developing the
invitation list and sorting through problems that have arisen with the
list. They are also providing staff to assist at the gate for the event.
Justin Dart: As you know, he is the former Chair of the President's Committee on the
Employment of People with Disabilities. He and Pat Wright are thought of as
the two key champions responsible for passage of the ADA. He is a life-long
Republican and friend and appointee of President Bush, but he is one of your
strongest supporters on health care and has invested significant resources into
the debate via existing coalitions and the DNC. You have met him several
times.
I. King Jordan:
He is currently President of Gallaudet University, and is the first deaf
president of Gallaudet. He was a key player in the passage of the
ADA. He participated in the meeting you had in honor of the ADA last
year, and you also met him at your speech to Gallaudet earlier this year.
Rebecca (Becky) Ogle: (OH-GUL)
Director of Project Accessability at NAMES, and
Co-chair of The Real Health Care For All
Campaign, which is the coalitional grassroots
network. She was Disability Access Coordinator
for the Inaugural.
Paul Schroeder: (SHRAYDER)
Director of Governmental Affairs for the American
Council of the Blind. He was active in working for
passage of the ADA and continues to be active in the
fight for health care reform. He is also working on the
National Information Infrastructure in the disability
community.
Patrisha (Pat) Wright:
She is Director of Government Affairs at the Disability Rights
Education and Defense Fund. She and Justin Dart are
considered the key champions of passage of the ADA; she is
sometimes referred to as the mother of the ADA.
From Congress: (No speaking roles)
Representative Hamilton Fish (R-NY):
He was named by Congressman Hoyer as the
most helpful Republican of those who are still in
Congress. (The main Republican floor manager
of the ADA was Steve Bartlett, who is currently
mayor of Dallas, Texas.)
Speaker of the House Foley (D-WA)
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA):
He was the chief Senate sponsor of the ADA bill.
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT):
He managed the bill for the minority in the Senate, and
was named by Harkin as the most helpful Republican in
passage of the ADA.
Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD):
He was the chief sponsor of the ADA bill in the
House.
Majority Leader George Mitchell (D-ME)
Members of Congress Seated in the Audience
Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH)
Senator James Jeffords (R-VT)
Representative Don Edwards (D-CA)
Representative Major Owens (D-NY)
Chairman Jack Brooks (D-TX)
Representative Bill Goodling (R-PA)
Representative Steve Gunderson (R-WI)
Chairman Bill Ford (D-MI)
Representative John Lewis (D-GA)
Chairman Joseph Moakley (D-MA)
Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Representative Alan Mollohan (D-WV)
The Audience
The audience is comprised of approximately 3,000 disability rights advocates from all over
the country, approximately 30 political appointees with disabilities, and approximately 30 key
agency and department personnel who run disability related programs.
IV.
PRESS PLAN
This event will be open to the press. An extensive list of disability specialty press have also
been invited. Following the event, the participants from the community on stage and
approximately 12 previously identified leaders from key states will be available for interviews
by all press, including regional and specialty. All of those available for interview plan to
underscore the importance for health care reform that achieves universal coverage for
successful implementation of the ADA.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
You will proceed to the Map Room from the Oval Office following completion of the
telephone call to Dr. Glenn Anderson, to join the Vice President, Mrs. Clinton and
Mrs. Gore for a logistics briefing.
You will all proceed to the Diplomatic Reception Room to greet the stage participants.
Members of Congress will be announced onto stage, followed by members of the
Cabinet, followed by disability rights leaders.
You, the Vice President, the First Lady and Mrs. Gore will be announced onto stage.
Mrs. Clinton will welcome the participants, recognize the Cabinet, make remarks and
introduce Mrs. Gore.
Mrs. Gore will recognize the disability rights leaders, make remarks, and introduce the
Vice President.
The Vice President will make remarks and introduce you.
You will recognize Members of Congress present and deliver remarks.
You will exit the stage and work the ropeline.
VI.
REMARKS
Speech to be provided by David Kusnet.
OF
U.S. Department of Justice
THE
Civil Rights Division
VEHICLE
Disability Rights Section
ENFORCING THE ADA: 1994 HIGHLIGHTS
Title I
Los Angeles, California - The City of Los
Angeles has agreed to take major steps to
U.S. V State of Illinois - The Department sued
improve the accessibility of its 9-1-1 emergency
the state of Illinois, the City of Aurora, and its
telephone services to persons who use
police and fire pension funds for excluding
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD's).
police officers and firefighters from its pension
The formal agreement resolves a complaint
funds on the basis of disability. Under the
alleging that the City failed to respond to a 9-1-1
challenged system, police officers and
call made by a mother who is deaf. After her
firefighters are required to undergo separate
two-year-old son suffered a head injury, the
physical examinations after they are hired to
mother called 9-1-1 on a TDD. After three tries
determine eligibility for retirement and
to reach the 9-1-1 center by TDD, she gave up
disability benefits. The Department's
and took her son to the hospital herself. In the
investigation resulted from the complaint of an
settlement agreement, the City agreed to install
Aurora police officer who was ruled ineligible
TDD-compatible equipment at approximately 30
for pension benefits because he has diabetes.
answering stations; properly maintain TDD
accessible features, with backup systems in place
in the event that the equipment becomes
Title II
inoperable; provide training for emergency
services call-takers in the proper operation of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The City of
TDD's; and undertake a public education
Philadelphia entered an agreement resolving a
program to promote the use of 9-1-1 by
complaint alleging that emergency medical
individuals who use TDD's. Assistant Attorney
technicians (EMT's) of the Philadelphia Fire
General Deval L. Patrick has sent a letter to 250
Department had refused to assist an individual
mayors informing them of the Los Angeles / 9-1-
when they learned that he had HIV. The City
1 agreement and reminding them of their
agreed to conduct mandatory training of the
obligation to provide direct access for TDD users
Department's 2,300 EMT's and firefighters
to their 9-1-1 systems.
regarding universal precautions to prevent the
transmission of HIV/AIDS, as well as to
provide HIV/AIDS sensitivity training. The
The Department of Justice issues
City will also develop and publicize a written
quarterly Status Report Updates
policy stating that individuals with disabilities
shall be given the opportunity to benefit fully
summarizing its comprehensive ADA
enforcement efforts. These
from its emergency medical services. The
policy will include disciplinary measures for
publications can be obtained by calling
any individual who fails to follow the City's
the Department's ADA Telephone
Information Line (800/514-0301;
guidelines. In addition, the City will provide
800/514-0383 (TDD)).
$10,000 in compensatory damages and a
written apology to the individual denied
services.
ENFORCING THE ADA: 1994 HIGHLIGHTS
Mental Health Inquiries - The Department has
accommodate persons with disabilities. When
spurred reform efforts nationwide by
renting to persons who do not use credit cards,
participating in legal challenges to the mental
Avis will allow persons who are unemployed due
health inquiries made of applicants for
to a disability to substitute verifiable disability-
professional licenses (law and medicine) by
related income in lieu of a verifiable
State licensing officials. In New Jersey, Florida,
employment history. Also, persons who cannot
Virginia and Connecticut, the Department has
drive due to a disability will now be able to rent
argued that broad questions pertaining to a
cars in their own name and maintain financial
history of treatment or counseling for mental,
responsibility for a car rental when they are
emotional, or nervous conditions that are not
accompanied by a licensed driver.
drawn to focus on current impairments of an
applicant's fitness to practice a given profession
United States V. Becker C.P.A. Review - In a
are discriminatory under title II of the ADA. In
consent decree resolving the first lawsuit filed by
response, many States have eliminated or
the Department of Justice under the ADA,
substantially narrowed the questions asked of
Becker C.P.A. Review, which prepares over
individuals seeking professional licenses.
10,000 students annually to take the national
certified public accountant exam, agreed to
In scores of other cases across the country
amend its auxiliary aids policy. Becker will no
in 1994, the Department achieved greater access
longer limit its offered auxiliary aids to
for people with disabilities to the activities and
audiotape transcripts prepared for the instructors'
services of State and local governments. These
use and will provide appropriate auxiliary aids
cases involved the issues of program
and services, including qualified sign language
accessibility, communications access, and
interpreters and assistive listening devices, to
discriminatory policies in a wide variety of
students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The
settings, including town halls, courts, and police
company may require a student to attend a
departments.
consultation meeting at which time the student
would explain his or her individual needs and
means of communication. Becker would explain
Title III
the nature of the class and the proposed aid or
service. However, Becker may request that the
Avis Inc., Garden City, New York - Through a
student try its proposed aid or service at a Becker
negotiated settlement agreement, Avis, Inc., the
class prior to the session that the student wishes
country's second largest car rental establishment,
to attend. If the student can articulate, based on
has agreed to provide rental vehicles equipped
experience or skills, why the proposed aid or
with hand controls to persons with disabilities at
service will not provide effective
all corporately-owned locations. Hand controls
communication, the student will not be required
will be available on eight hours notice in all
to try out the proposed auxiliary aid or service.
major airport locations and on 24 or 48 hours
Becker also agreed to appoint a national ADA
notice at other facilities, depending on certain
coordinator and train its staff regarding the
factors. Avis agreed to provide training at all
policy revision; pay $20,000 to the Department
corporate locations. Avis will urge all existing
of Justice to be distributed to deaf and hearing
licensees to adopt the same measures and will
impaired students; and establish a $25,000
require all new franchisees and those renewing
scholarship fund for accounting students who
their contracts to follow the agreement. The
have hearing impairments and attend California
agreement also references two previously-
State University.
resolved investigations where Avis has made
substantial changes to its rental policies to
2
ENFORCING THE ADA: 1994 HIGHLIGHTS
United States V. Harcourt Brace Legal and
students with disabilities took an old version of
Professional Publications, Inc. - A consent
the SAT in March 1994. Under the agreement,
decree resolved this suit against the auxiliary
ETS will notify them of the opportunity to
aids policies of Harcourt Brace Legal and
cancel those scores and take the new SAT-I in
Professional Publications regarding Bar/Bri, the
June 1994.
nation's largest preparatory course for
individuals studying for bar examinations. The
United States V. Venture Stores, Inc., Illinois -
Department's complaint alleged that the Bar/Bri
The Department entered into a consent decree
course failed to provide appropriate auxiliary
resolving its lawsuit against Venture Stores, Inc.,
aids to students with vision and hearing
a St. Louis, Missouri, firm that operates more
impairments. Harcourt Brace agreed to establish
than 90 discount department stores in eight
a detailed set of procedures for
states. Venture agreed to modify its
identifying and providing appropriate
policy of permitting only customers
auxiliary aids and services, including
Title III
with drivers' licenses to pay for
qualified sign language interpreters,
merchandise with a personal check, and
assistive listening devices, and Brailled
will now permit individuals who do not
materials, to students with disabilities. In
drive because of a disability to pay by check if
addition, Harcourt Brace Legal has agreed to pay
they have a non-driver state ID card. Venture also
$28,000 in compensatory relief. This award is
agreed to make payments to four individual
divided among two students; the California
complainants.
Department of Rehabilitation, which provided
the interpreter for one of the students; and the
Empire State Building, New York, New York -
individual who converted the course material
The owners and operators of the Empire State
into Braille for the other student. Harcourt Brace
Building agreed to take wide-ranging measures
also agreed to pay $25,000 in civil penalties to
to ensure access to public areas of the building.
the United States, adopt and implement a formal
The agreement mandates changes to the lobby,
written policy ensuring that auxiliary aids and
entrance, observation decks, restrooms and
services are promptly and properly provided,
telephones, but does not cover any privately
educate Bar/Bri staff regarding students with
leased office space in the building. The
disabilities, and include information regarding
complaint alleged that the Empire State Building
the availability of auxiliary aids and services for
was operating in violation of the ADA because
students with disabilities in its advertising
its owners and operators failed to remove
materials.
architectural barriers where such removal was
readily achievable.
Educational Testing Service, New York, New York
- The Educational Testing Service (ETS) and
United States V. Reunion Hotel/Tower Joint
the College Entrance Examination Board agreed
Venture, et al. - The Department filed, and
to provide additional opportunities for students
resolved by consent decree, a lawsuit involving
with disabilities to take the new version of the
accessibility problems at the Hyatt Regency
Scholastic Assessment Text (SAT-I) in the spring
Dallas Hotel. Under the consent decree, the
of 1994. Students had complained that the
Hyatt Corporation and the owners and asset
testing schedule set up by ETS and the College
managers of the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel
Board prevented students with disabilities,
agreed to provide 28 fully accessible guest
including students with learning disabilities,
rooms; modify three sets of restrooms on the
from taking the SAT-I in May or June 1994 even
first, second, and third floors of the hotel to
though virtually all other students were given
make them accessible; and construct ramps
those opportunities. Approximately 2,600
providing access to the hotel's swimming pool
3
ENFORCING THE ADA: 1994 HIGHLIGHTS
and hot tub areas. The defendants will also offer
The Washington State request for
24 individuals with disabilities compensation in
certification was the first received by the
the form of either a return visit to the hotel at the
Department. The Department's initial review
defendants' expense or $1,500 in cash. The suit
showed that the Washington code was highly
alleged that the Hyatt Corporation, which
progressive regarding accessibility issues and
operates the facility, violated title III of the ADA
was nearly equivalent to the ADA requirements.
by failing to remove architectural barriers to
The Department provided extensive technical
access where it is readily achievable to do so.
assistance to the Washington Building Code
Also named as a defendant was the partnership
Council to assist in the development of a fully
that owns the facility, and its asset manager, the
equivalent code. In August 1994, in response to
Woodbine Development Corporation. The
comments by the Department, the Building Code
lawsuit arose from a complaint filed with the
Council proposed amendments to the
Department by several children and adults who
Washington code to address the remaining areas
attended a conference of the Spina Bifida
of nonequivalency. Those amendments received
Association of America at the landmark hotel in
final approval in November.
June 1992.
The Department's enforcement efforts in
ADA Telephone Information Line
1994 under title III have reached all areas of the
country and have addressed a wide range of
The Department of Justice now provides
issues. Resolution of complaints has led to the
toll-free "800" service for both voice and TDD
removal of physical barriers, the provision of
callers who have questions about title II and title
auxiliary aids, and the elimination of
III of the ADA, including the Standards for
discriminatory policies in many types of public
Accessible Design. Under its expanded hours of
accommodations, including restaurants, hotels,
operations, operators may be reached from 10:00
retail stores, museums, medical offices, health
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday
clubs, service stations, and theaters.
(except Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). The
system has been upgraded to accommodate a
larger number of callers simultaneously and to
Certification
provide Spanish language service. Callers may
hear recorded information and order materials at
State of Washington - On December 6, 1994,
any time day or night. The Information Line
the Department issued a preliminary
numbers are:
determination that the Washington State
Regulations for Barrier Free Design meet or
Nationwide
exceed the new construction and alterations
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
1-800-514-0383 (TDD)
Act. This is the Department's first preliminary
determination of the equivalency of a State code.
The Department is now beginning the process
toward final certification of the Washington
This document is available through the
code. The remaining steps before a final
ADA Telephone Information Line in
determination in the certification process will
standard print, Braille, audiotape, and
include public notice, a sixty-day public
computer disk formats.
comment period, and informal public hearings in
the State of Washington and in Washington, D.C.
4
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Rancy Flinn
To:
Debbie Fine - The White House
Fill ADA 1994
From:
Nancy Flinn - 202-296-9128
Date:
July 23, 1994
Re:
ADA
Hello Debbie
Here goes all the information that I have been supplying to my media contacts on
what is happening with ADA in 1994.
As you know, we feel that next week marks a mileston for the ADA. 1994 is a very
important year for the Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 26th - Tuesday -
small businesses that employ 15 or more are then required to implement and
comply with the employment provisions of the law. This adds an additional 400,000
private businesses and 100,000 organizations and nonprofits to the rolls of
businesses who can no longer discriminate in the workplace against the nation's
largest minority 49 million Americans.
Here is some of the information that I have pulled together on ADA and Small
Business for The Dole Foundation on Employment of People with Disabilities and
as well, the release on the just completed United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA)
ADA Report Card on America.
To make the ADA work, I keep telling my friends in media that we need their help
to get the word out to the public nationally on what is working and what isn't.
Where ADA has been embraced by American businesses, it is working and at
nominal cost (unlike the initial fear and warnings that it would cost business too
much money).
Rick and I left a great life in Vermont because we know this is SO important. We
have been devoting all our energy, time and life toward trying to spread the word
on ADA and make it work out there in grass roots America. The slow but definate
progress is making it worthwhile.
If you need specific contacts, want to take a look at the status of this civil rights law
in America, get the perspective of business, small business, disability rights leaders,
government leaders etc., I can help.
ADA is a great, great law- people with disabilities want and need to be full
contributing, productive employed citizens paying, not using taxes and I believe we
are part of that evolution. Thanks for all your help on making this White House
event happen. Rick is really psyched about it. Let me know if I can be of help.
1 m street nin mashington to 202-296-9128 202-331-9770 <
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ucpa
UNITED
CEREBRAL
PALSY For Immediate Release :
Contact: Nancy Flinn
ASSOCIATIONS
(202) 296-9128
Advancing the independence of people with disabilities
IS ADA WORKING
ADA REPORT CARD ON AMERICA
1994 Progress Report on ADA in American Businesses
July 21, 1994, Washington D.C.) Results from the fourth national ADA Report
Card on America, conducted by United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA)
affiliates in 21 major U.S. markets, indicate there has been definite but slow
progress, at little cost to business, over the last two years. Compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the 21 markets reporting has worked to
improve access to public accommodations, ADA Title III; while under Title I
(Employment Provisions) of the law, employment of America's 49 million
citizens with disabilities is still lagging behind in both full and part time jobs and
in perceived commitment from America's employers. Ironically, business reports
nominal costs in ADA implementation, while many companies, due to cost fears,
are dragging their feet in complying with the landmark civil rights ADA
legislation.
The 1994 ADA Report Card on America_ is the result of the fourth national
study of American business' progress in implementing and complying with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Report Card, conducted by affiliates
of United Cerebral Palsy Associations, took place during June and July of this year.
The 21 locales participating include: Birmingham AL, Mobile AL, San Francisco
CA, greater Washington D.C. area (including northern Virginia), Prince
George/Montgomery counties MD, Detroit MI, St. Louis, MO, Trenton NJ,
Hamiliton NJ (Mercer County area), New Orleans I.A, Albany NY, Commack NY
(Suffolk County), New York NY, New City NY, Cleveland OH, Philadelphia PA,
Spring Church PA (Western Pennsylvania), Austin TX, Dallas TX, Milwaukee WI,
and Seattle WA (King Snohomish counties).
"Our A D A Report Card on America information is particularly relevant this
year," said John D. Kemp, Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy
Associations, based in Washington D. C. "1994 is a pivotal year as 500,000 new
businesses and organizations employing 15 or more employees come into
compliance with the second phase of ADA Title I - Employment on July 26th.
This brings a total of 2 million businesses into ADA employment compliance.
Small business owners and managers can look at our data, dollars and results and
see that being able to tap America's entire qualified workforce makes good
business sense."
1522 STREET SUITE 1112 WASHINGTON DC 20005-1202
800.USA.SUCP VOICE/TT Z0Z.842.1200 FAX Z02.842.3519
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ADA Report - 2
The ADA Report Card on America is organized and sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy
Associations (UCPA), based in Washington D.C., to focus attention on the status of
compliance and implementation of the historic civil rights legislation, the Americans
With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed into law in 1990, eliminates discrimina-
tion in access, employment, transportation and communications for America's 49 million
citizens with disabilities.
This year, the ADA Report Card took a close look at what the landmark civil rights
legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, means for employers, employees with
disabilities, their supervisors and co-workers across the country. To determine employ-
ment data, representatives from UCPA affiliates called on businesses and visited job sites
of workers with disabilities, most of whom (81 %) were employed within the past two
years. Employees with disabilities were interviewed as well as their supervisors and co-
workers.
To get a snapshot of ADA access and day to day barriers and accommodations in the
marketplace, the interviewing teams accompanied employees with disabilities as they ate
lunch, shopped and transacted business as customers representing the large consumer base
of 49 million Americans with disabilities. Using uniform checklists assessing access under
the law, UCPA affiliates interviewed bt sinesses in 21 cities from coast to coast to test and
report on ADA progress. The access checklists, developed by the national UCPA office,
assessed approach and entry, interiors, customer service, amenities and site specific factors
such as accessible rest rooms in restaurants, theatres, hotels and malls or stores.
"The issue of accessibility to customers seems to be one area which businesses are most
aware of and comfortable with," said Kemp. "ADA access is opening doors to a new market
of consumers -- a 12 % increase in customer base in the retail and hospitality industry alone.
But there is a dichotomy with businesses in their ADA employment practices. Businesses
in many cities that hired or retained an employee with a disability found their fears around
workplace accommodation costs were unfounded. Over and over, costs of reasonable
accommodation were less than $100. Yet, some employers continue to indicate that concern
about costs prevents them from hiring and accommodating a person with a disability."
In determining access for each business, approach, interior, amenities and customer service
were graded with A being Accessible, B - Basically Barrier Free, C - Can be maneuvered, and
D - Difficult or inaccessible. The greatest hurdles for people with disabilities prove to be
approaches and entries where the lack of a curb cut or even a two inch lip at the door
might as well be the Berlin Wall. The weight of entry doors (when leveraged from a
wheelchair) made them often difficult tc use and, without assistance, in many cases proved
to be an impossibility.
Accessible parking spaces are a concern nationally. In some cities, parking spaces still are
not 13 thirteen feet in width or accessible parking is not enforced. In the 1994 ADA Report
Card, 89 % of public accommodations visited had accessible parking spaces designated and
readily available at the place of business. Curb cuts were available in 85 % of the locations
visited. Doors continue to be a barrier in many businesses. Approximately 25% of the
"technically" accessible entrances had doors that were too heavy, thresholds too high, or
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ADA Report - 3
doorways too narrow to allow a person using a wheelchair to enter with ease. The
numbers of accessible restrooms are increasing in many cities. Accessible restrooms (for
those who used a conventional wheelchair) were available in 75% of the places visited.
For those who used a power chair or scooter, only 60% of restrooms were accessible.
More TDDs/TTYs (telecommunications devices that allow a person with a hearing or
speech disability to communicate by phone) are needed for people who are deaf or have
hearing impairments. Only 14% of the businesses visited had TDDs/TTYs; 53% of
businesses did have alternate methods of communicating readily available to assist
customers with speech or hearing disabilities. The number one alternative communication
for these businesses consisted of a pad and pen/pencil (66 %).
Suprisingly, 1994 customer service grades are lower than comparative data from the 1992
and 1993 Access Report Cards. The first ADA Report Card on ADA access was conducted in
12 cities by United Cerebral Palsy Associations in January of 1992 and the second in 15 cities
in 1993. Customer service grades are based on criteria including talking to the customer
with a disability and not a non-disabled companion, availability of TDDs/TTYs, sensitivity
to speech disability, adequately marked and clear entrances and exits, staff responsiveness,
and reasonable accommodation plans when access to products or services is difficult or
impossible. In 1992, in most markets, regardless of geographic area, the rating of customer
service was an A. In the 1994 ADA Report Card on America, 33 % of businesses surveyed
ranked an A, compared to 38% in 1993; 48% ranked a B, compared to 56% the previous
year; 9% scored a C, compared to 4% in 1993, and another 9% scored a D compared to 1%
in 1993. Customer service drives away or brings back customers, and nearly all businesses
surveyed need improvement.
The 1994 ADA Report Card checklist covering the employment provisions of the law
asked employees with disabilities, their supervisors and co-workers in the surveyed
business to identify types and costs of job accommodations in the workplace, types of jobs,
salary, benefits and hours, level of co-worker support and acceptance, job satisfaction,
productivity and employers' practices regarding applications, interviews, medical exams,
reasonable accommodations and responsibility for providing training and support.
The 1994 ADA Report Card on America focused as well on the attitudes, accommodations,
work habits, practices, work and social interactions of employees, supervisors and
co-workers on the job site. 30% of employees with disabilities received A S (very
productive) for their work productivity from supervisors while over half - 58 %- received
As from their co-workers. 20 % received B $ ("somewhat more productive" than other
employees) from supervisors and 10% received B $ from co-workers. 33% of employees
earned C $ ("as productive "as other employees) from supervisors and 18% were graded C
from co-workers. 15% were rated D ("somewhat less productive" than other workers) from
supervisors and 12 %. of employees with disabilities received Ds from co-workers. Not one
employee received an E ("Not productive") from either supervisors or co-workers.
Although 78% of employees with disabilities reported they regularly ate lunch with co-
workers, only 55% were included in work-related social activities. Only 28% indicated they
take part in employer sponsored activities such as recreational events, sporting leagues and
company outings.
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ADA Report - 4
58 % of businesses responding to the 1994 ADA employment part of the Report Card had
provided ADA training for human resource personnel and management up from 55 % in
1993 but significantly down from 74 % in 1992. 41 % of the 1994 businesses surveyed on
employment provisions had provided disability awareness trainings for staff compared to
48 % in 1993 and 51 % in 1992.
Employees with disabilities accounted for 1% of the total number of employees of
businesses polled. In most instances (6 1 %), there was only one employee with a disability
in a given cohort. 18 % of the firms had at least two employees with disabilities, 13 % had
three, 2 % had four and 2 % had 6 or more.
Supervisors indicated that 77 % of employees with disabilities were hired to perform the
essential functions of existing jobs. 50 % of those hired performed all functions (essential
and non-essential); 20 % performed all of the essential functions; and 30 % performed most
of the essential functions of the job. "This indicates that these are real jobs for real people,"
said Kemp. "These hires reflect smart business policy - looking at the entire pool of qualified
candidates to fill positions with people who can and will do the job."
in 1994, 76 % of surveyed businesses with employees with disabilities made some type of
accommodation to the workplace compared with 70 % in 1993. Of those businesses that had
hired employees with disabilities, 33 % found a need to restructure job duties (70 % in 1993);
75 % modified work schedules (67% in 1993); only 33 % needed to modify workstations
in 1994 (66 % in '93) ; 24 % needed to remove barriers (in 1993, 62 % ); 24 % purchased
some type of assistive technology to accommodate their employee's needs (35 % in 1993).
71 % of businesses indicate they hold interviews in accessible locations and 61 % no longer
require medical examinations prior to an offer of employment.
In 1993, when asked what were the greatest concerns to successfully implementing the
employment provisions of the ADA, businesses listed these concerns: 36 % of employers
reported job accommodations as their greatest concern, followed by health care and
insurance at 20 % followed by reactions of other employees to accommodations made for
employee with disability at 13 % and finally, workers compensation concerns at 12 %.
In 1994, survey teams found repeatedly that, as in previous ADA Report Cards, the good
news about employment of people with disabilities is that business owners' and managers'
great fears around the cost of employing people with disabilities were not valid. The ADA
Report Card found that businesses surveyed stated they were surprised with the low cost,
low tech of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. The good news for businesses
polled, as well as for people with disabilities seeking employment, currently employed or
returning to work, is that the cost of approximately 73% of job accommodations (compared
to 60 % in 1993) is less than $100 with most job accommodations costing little or nothing.
In this new 1994 ADA Report Card, 30% of the participating respondents with disabilities
need some type of personal assistance services in order to be employed. For 23 % of these
employees, the assistance required was directly work related and provided by a job coach
through supported employment projects of public or private agencies. For the remaining
7 %, the services needed related to personal hygiene, and grooming, and transportation
necessary to get ready and get to work.
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ADA Report - 5
Salaries ranged between a low of $4.25 an hour to a high of $16.00 an hour. Most of the
respondents (40 %) earned between $4 and $4.95 an hour. 22 % earned between $5 - $6 per
hour; and 14 % earned between $6 - $7 an hour. 6% of the respondents receive more than
$7 / hour and 11% declined to give salaries. Only 23% of the employees interviewed for
this ADA Report card were employed full time or between 30 to 40 hours a week; 23 %
were employed between 20-30 hours a week; 41% were employed between 10-20 hours a
week; and 13 % were employed 10 or fewer hours a week.
The fact that over half of the employees (53 %) interviewed worked 20 hours or less may
explain why 66 % or 2/3 of employees with disabilities interviewed do not receive health
insurance or other benefits through their employer. (Employees who work 20 hours or less
are considered part time workers and are often incligible for health insurance and other
benefits) 59% of employees interviewed receive benefits from other sources - Medicaid
(13 %), Medicare (56 %), both Medicaid and Medicare (17 %), and private insurance, either
through their families (8 %) or to supplement their Medicare/ Medicaid benefits (5 %) and
7% receive no benefits at all.
66 % or 2/3 of the employees responding to the ADA Report Card are eligible for and
receive SSI payments; 10% receive SSDI and 5% receive both SSI and SSDI. Other benefits
received by the respondents include housing (20 %) and food stamps (15%). Only one
employee respondent is participating in an SSA-approved PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-
Sufficiency) Program.
"The ADA is a big step toward economic independence for Americans with disabilities.
Unfortunately, disincentives to employment for those of us with disabilities still exist and
must be changed," said Kemp (who was born without arms and legs, uses protheses and a
scooter as accommodation). "As doors open to employment, millions of Americans with
disabilities who want to work are forced to deal with the disincentives that tie them to the
economic dependency they want to leave. That dependency costs our country an estimated
$200 billion a year in public and private payments and another $100 billion annually in
unrealized wages and taxes. This must change to make the promise of ADA a reality for
America."
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THE DOLE FOUNDATION
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Nancy Flinn
(202)296-9128
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADA IN 1994
(Washington D.C., July, 1994) On July 26, 1994, four years after the landmark civil rights
bill, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, implementation of the
final and very important phase - employment of people with disabilities in small
businesses across America - takes effect. On July 26, 1994, ADA Employment, Title I
requires small businesses that employ 15 or more employees to comply with the law. An
estimated 400,000 private businesses and 100,000 nonprofits come into compliance with
ADA on this date. Small business employers with 15 or more employees can no longer
discriminate in hiring, interviewing and accommodating people with disabilities in the
workplace.
"People with disabilities consider this the most important phase of ADA implementation,
said Paul Hearne, President of The Dole Foundation for Employment of People with
Disabilities, based in Washington D.C. "Small businesses in America employ 86% of our
nation's work force. Having access to jobs within small businesses will open more doors to
independence for the nation's 49 million people with disabilities."
According to experts at the Dole Foundation, two-thirds of Americans with disabilities
between the ages of 16 and 64 are not working. The majority of people with disabilities in
this age range say they want to work but have faced discrimination in the workplace that,
until implementation and enforcement of ADA, was legal and exclusive. "The cost to the
nation to keep people with disabilities in dependence is an estimated $200 billion dollars
annually in private and public payments and an additional $100 billion is lost in unrealized
wages and taxes," said Hearne. "Last year, in 1993 alone, the Social Security Administration
spent over $54 billion dollars in SSI and SSDI payments to Americans with disabilities.
This is money spent to keep people home and not working. It makes no economic sense."
1818 H STREET. N.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20006-3603 202-457-0318 (VOICE/TDD) 457-0473 (FAX)
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1994 ADA - 3
compliance with ADA. The ADA specifically permits small businesses (under 30 full time
employees and less than $1 million gross receipts) to receive a tax credit for certain costs of
compliance with the ADA. Small businesses may claim a credit of up to 50% of eligible
expenditures that include access costs as well as costs of job accommodations such as
providing readers, interpreters, and other auxiliary aids and acquiring or modifying
equipment or devices.
Many small business owners have concern about the costs of accommodations for
employees with disabilities. However, most job accommodations are found to cost little or
nothing, particularly in small businesses where moving a piece of furniture, exchanging or
sharing job duties or flexible schedules are the most common accommodations. Recent
studies have shown that 79% of small businesses employing 100 or fewer employees
indicate they have made some accommodations in their businesses to comply with Title III,
the access part of ADA and Title I, ADA's employment title - many indicating removal of
architectural barriers only. Of those small businesses reporting job accommodations for
employees with disabilities, 60% said they had restructured job duties, 58% modified work
schedules, 54% provided personal assistive services, 41% modified workstations, 40%
removed barriers and less than 20% had purchased devices or equipment. 72% reported the
cost of accommodation in their workplace was less than $100. The Dole Foundation
through a special grant has created a resouce book on accommodations, The Workplace
Workbook 2.0. An Illustrated Guide to Workplace Accommodations and Technology,
available through the foundation's office in Washington, D.C.
"Making the ADA work for small businesses is key to the independence of Americans with
disabilities in their local communities," said Hearne. "At The Dole Foundation, we
encourage partnerships between the business and disability communities. It makes great
economic sense for America today and tomorrow. Future generations of people with
disabilities will be tax payers, not tax users and recognized as qualified employed citizens
with the potential to make money and spend it, becoming one of America's largest
consumer groups."
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1994 ADA - 2
For the past ten years, The Dole Foundation for Employment of People with Disabilities has
encouraged employment for Americans with disabilities by awarding approximately 272
grants to non-profit organizations and businesses totaling over $5 .5 million dollars. "Since
our beginning in 1984, over tens of thousands of people with disabilities have benefitted
from Doie Foundation grants and gained employment," said Hearne. "As a result of our
funded projects, approximately $60 million in taxes has been returned to local, state and
federal tax bases - that's about $12 for every $1 invested. Economic data like this help sell
the ADA and employment of people with disabilities. Employment for people with
disabilities helps create an additional economic force -- the 49 million Americans with
disabilities are consumers of products.'
The July 26, 1994 ADA Title I - Employment provisions successful small business
implementation and compliance is paramount to the success of the civil rights movement
and inclusion for America's 49 million people with disabilities.
Small businesses are where the jobs are: According to SBA statistics, small businesses
provided 100% of all new jobs in America from 1987 to 1992 Small businesses were 99.7%
of all employers in 1990. There are nearly 5 million small businesses with under 100
employees generating $733,577,405 in payroll. 4.5 million small businesses have fewer than
20 employees and generate $382 544, 608 in payroll.
"We are looking closely at how small business will comply with the law," said Hearne.
"Most of us in the disability community know the myths and stereotypes that have paved
the way to fear for small business owners in the employment of people with disabilities.
Overcoming negative attitudes and stereotypes is a major challenge as we are included in
the workplace and marketplace."
Small business owners need to know there are tax breaks as incentives to make ADA work.
A deduction of up to $15,000 per year for expenses associated with the removal of
architectural and transportation barriers is granted to all businesses to help pay their cost of
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THE DOLE FOUNDATION
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
From The Dole Foundation
ADA HISTORIC DATELINES
July 26, 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President
George Bush on the White House lawn in the largest signing ceremony in the
history of the United States. Some 3000 + people attended in celebration.
January 26, 1992
Title III (Public Accommodations) of the law became effective and public
accommodations (business and service providers) were required to have their
facilities or their services accessible to individuals with disabilities.
On this same date, Title II (Local and State Governments) went into effect and
local municipalities and state governments were required to be accessible.
(Public Transportation) On this date, paratransit services were required.
Access to new transit stations built after this date was also required.
July 26, 1992
Title I (Employment) - Businesses employing twenty-five or more workers
were prohibited from discrimination against qualified individuals with
disabilities in all aspects of employment.
July 26, 1993
Title IV (Telecommunications) - Telephone relay services had to be available
24 hours per day in all states.
(Public Transportation) - Key transit stations and key commuter stations
were required to be retrofitted for access by this date with some exceptions
extended for up to twenty years.
July 26, 1994
Employment Title I - On this date America's small business employing fifteen
or more employees must comply with ADA's employment regulations.
July 26, 1995
Public Transportation - The one car per train rule will be implemented for
accessible seating on Amtrak and commuter rail, buses, light and rapid rail.
1819 H STREET. N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006-3603
202-457-0318 (VOICE/TDD)
457-0473 (FAX)
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THE DOLE FOUNDATION
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
From The Dole Foundation:
Contact: Nancy Flinn
(202) 296-9128
1994 ADA & SMALL BUSINESS
FACT SHEET
*
On July 26, 1994, under ADA Title I, Employment, small businesses
employing 15 or more employees can no longer discriminate against
qualified people with disabilities in interviewing, hiring, promoting or
accommodating in the workplace.
There are 49 million Americans with disabilities, according to 1992 U.S.
Dept. of Commerce Census data - (20% of U.S. population or 1 out of 5)
*
2/3s of Americans with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 do not
work and say they want to work - (an estimated 26 million)
*
$200 Billion annually in public and private payments is the estimated cost
to the nation of keeping Americans with disabilities in dependence.
$100 Billion annually is lost to the economy in estimated wages and taxes.
The Social Security Admir istration spent over $54 Billion dollars in SSI
and SSDI payments to people with disabilities in 1993.
By the year 2000, the nation will experience a shortage of qualified
workers according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor report - "Workforce 2000"
73% of job accommodations for employees with disabilities cosť less than
$100 for all large and small businesses. In small businesses alone,
75%'say their accommodation costs are under $100.
*
Most small business ADA accommodations - such as moving furniture,
modifying work hours, work duties, etc. - cost nothing at all.
*
ADA offers small business owners tax breaks as incentives.
- $15,000 per year can be deducted for expenses associated with removal
of architectural and transportation barriers.
- small businesses under 30 full time employees receive tax credits for
certain costs of ADA compliance. Up to 50% of eligible expenditures
including access costs, job accommodation costs such as readers,
interpreters, auxiliary aids and acquiring or modifying equipment.
1819 H STREET. N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006-3603
202-457-0318 (VOICE/TDD) 457-0473 (FAX)
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from The Dole Foundation
2.
1994 ADA & Small Business Fact Sheet
* On July 26, 1994, some 400,000 private businesses and 100,000 nonprofits
become eligible for compliance with ADA Title I Employment regulations.
*
Small businesses employs 86% of the nation's workforce.
Small business provided 100% of all new jobs in America from 1987 to 1992.
*
Small businesses were 99.7% of all employers in 1990.
*
Small business generating the greatest number of new jobs from 1991 to
1992 (increase shown in thousands) include in ranking order:
- eating and drinking places
118.1
- physicians offices
42.5
- child care services
37.0
- new and used car dealers
34.2
- special construction trade contractors
28.1
- individual and family services
27.4
- residential care
27.1
- employment agencies
16.9
- job training and related services
15.2
- mailing and reproduction services
13.2
*
Fastest growing small businesses and % change in employment from
1991 to 1992 include:
- child day care services
8.4%
- school buses
7.8%
- employment agencies
7.7%
- millwork, plywood and structural members
7.6%
- meat and fish markets
6.6%
- holding and other ir vestment companies
6.6%
- wood kitchen cabine: making and manufacturing
6.5%
- sporting goods and bicycle shops
6.4%
- job training and related services
6.1%
- social services
5.7%
The Dole Foundation 1819 H St NW Washington D.C. 20006 (202) 457-0318
TOTAL P.12