What significant civil rights legislation affects private employers regarding disability discrimination?

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is significant legislation that addresses disability discrimination in the workplace. Enacted in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in several areas, including employment, and specifically applies to private employers with 15 or more employees. This landmark law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities in the workplace.

The ADA also mandates that public accommodations cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities, creating a broader cultural shift towards inclusion. Importantly, it defines what constitutes a disability and establishes the standards for determining whether discrimination has occurred. This makes the ADA a crucial piece of civil rights legislation that directly impacts how private employers must navigate hiring, job performance, and retention concerning employees with disabilities.