CELEBRATE THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

On Covert Affairs, Auggie (Chris Gorham) is a CIA operative who happens to be blind. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark law celebrating its 20th anniversary this month (July 26th), millions of people with disabilities like Auggie work in virtually every field and every type of business, allowing for economic self-sufficiency and independence.


The ADA bars discrimination in employment against qualified individuals with disabilities. Yet, myths and stereotypes about what people with disabilities can and cannot do continue to create barriers to equal employment opportunity.

Did You Know?

• In June 2010, 7.4% of the working age population in the United States reports having a disability in response to questions asked in the Current Population Survey conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and US Census Bureau. That means that there are approximately 14.6 million individuals with disabilities between 16 and 64 in the United States.
• In June 2010, 33.7% of working-age people with disabilities were working as compared with 77.7% of working-age people without disabilities.
• Some people with disabilities receive accommodations (anything from a change in schedule to special equipment or software) in the work place. Many do not. A high percentage of accommodations cost nothing to make, while the rest typically cost only approximately $600. (Source: Job Accommodation Network, US Department of Labor)

For more information:
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service sponsored by the US Department of Labor that anyone can contact to get advice and information about workplace accommodations. Connect with JAN at:
(800)526-7234 (Voice)
(877)781-9403 (TTY)
www.askjan.org

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, organizes the disability community to be a powerful voice for change - politically, economically, and socially. www.aapd.com.