The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. Just as previous laws had made it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their gender, race or religion, the ADA made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities, whether physical or mental. It was signed into law by President George Bush on July 26, 1990. An estimated 43 million Americans are covered by the law, which applies to businesses that employ 15 or more people. Some industries estimate the number of people with disabilities is as high as 54 million.

The ADA protects people who have disabilities from discrimination in employment and in access to such public places as shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, doctors' offices, and pharmacies or to such public services as public transportation and telecommunications.

The act defines...