ADA: GUARANTEEING ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION

For disabled individuals, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 ensures access to public entities and equal employment opportunities. This article describes key Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) responsibilities in the areas of employment and accommodation and accessibility. Since passage of ADA, FHWA has conducted a waiver study to determine if disabled drivers, which were previously denied certification because of their disabilities, could waive certain conditions if driving standards were met. Regarding accommodation and accessibility, any ADA complaint regarding the design of traffic lights, curb cuts, median strips, ramps, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, interstate and highway restroom facilities, etc., are directed to the FHWA. The author notes that establishment of ADA benefits everyone, as disease, accident, and old age eventually affects all of us or our loved ones.