The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted on July 26, 1990 to end discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA, also known as Public Law 101-336, aims at providing equal access to the disabled in the areas of employment, public housing, public transportation, private establishments used by the general public, and telecommunications.
The Office for Disability Affairs is responsible for implementing the ADA in the District of Columbia. The office is located in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Business and Professional Licensing Administration (BPLA). Its staff provides technical assistance and training to business and government entities, investigates complaints, and acts as the official consultant on all matters pertaining to the ADA. The act prohibits discrimination based on disability in the areas of employment, state and local government services, programs and activities, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.
