Disabilities Discrimination

The disability discrimination act came into force in 1995 which prohibits state and local governments, labor unions, private employers, employment agencies etc and discriminates against people who are disabled in relation to the provision of goods and services, employment, transport and education. The disability discrimination act also applies to federal sector employees. An individual will be treated disabled if one has a record of impairment, has a physical or mental impairment and having impairment. Various housing discrimination complaints are filed by the disability persons that are highlighted in the report of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.

One of the rapidly growing segments which are found in U.S is people with disabilities. Out of 281 million people in U.S, more than 56.3 million people are suffering from one or the other disability. Several federal laws came into force such as Americans withDisabilities Act of 1990 and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which were designed to eliminate discrimination against the disabled people in those programs and activities in which federal funds are received. A qualified applicant who is disabled refers to an individual who can perform the necessary functions of the job being disabled. Some disabilities are considered to be valid under the law and reasonable accommodation may be suitable for the disabled people in cases such as:-

• Sensory Impairments – These impairments consists of hearing and visual impairments.

• Medical conditions which cause disabilities – The various medications and illness can be the cause of temporary or permanent disabilities like memory and speech impairments, chronic fatigue, severe physical discomfort etc.

• Psychological Disorders – Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression are some of the psychological disorders which affect the general population.

• Mobility Impairments – These include difficulty in manipulating materials like pen, paper or keyboard, limited reach and coordination.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder – The features of this disorder are distractiveness, impulsiveness and restlessness.

• Learning Disabilities – These disabilities include a combination of perceptual and academic disorders such as minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, aphasia and autism.

• Speech Impairments – These impairments include stuttering, lisping and chronic hoarseness.

Disability Discrimination in the Screening Process and Housing Application

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 precludes discrimination in the rental or sale of housing which depends on disability. Many people with disabilities are excluded due to ignorance, misperceptions and outright prejudice from the housing market. This act provides protection against the discrimination in case of housing and screening phase and takes necessary efforts to promote the people with disability.