(VANITY) Americans with Disabilities Act - How Equal and What Cost?

September 15, 2005

[indianrightwinger]

ADA is good in theory and in theoretical principle. But, is complicated, costly, and impactical on many dimensions. How far should its reach be? How much cost can it be assigned (from society and government)? How much economic impact from this act is tolerable? What are the "States Rights" compromises that can be made in support of the ADA?

It will be good to argue these issues in today's context, and especially in the context of SCOTUS nominations.

[sfimom]

ping to self

This ought to be interesting.

[goldstategop]

The idea is to "mainstream" people with disabilities and help make them productive citizens. So the real question is what accomodations to make them good employees are helpful and which are a hindrance is a subject for debate.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[expatguy]

Considering the latest "hate crime" legislation in another thread I would have to say ~~

GAY Americans with disabilities > Americans with disabilities

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

[indianrightwinger]

My observation is that in the political world, one can never win on the *hindrance* argument. So, the question comes to my mind as to whether this is a lost politcal and legal cause with massive costs to the society.

[goldstategop]

Most accomodations can be cost-effective. It would be better for a business to negotiate reasonable arrangements with the applicant beforehand if a job offer is presented. Anything to keep the lawyers out of it altogether is a very good idea indeed.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[justche]

The ADA requires accomodation, but there's the caveat that it can't create undue burden (to employers, etc.) The idea is to balance out the playing field as much as possible, not run businesses into the ground.

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the real motive of the question though....

[truth_seeker]

"Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the real motive of the question though...."

Me too. Not one of the burning social, legal or political issues of the day.

I serve with a non-profit apolitical organization. When we outfitted a new facility a few years ago, we were unanimously in favor of installing handicap accessable restrooms (irrespective of there being any legal obligation).

We have members in wheelchairs. We thought it appropriate to help them. It cost some extra money.

Don't see what a big deal this might be for most reasonable souls, unless churning up undue controversy would be a motive.

I believe it is also "settled law." Finally Bush Sr. refers to it as one of his proud accomplishments.

It would be most useful to hear from people with disabilities, as far as how they feel.

[kublia khan]

The issue is do we want to give them the opportunity to become productive citizen's or do we want to become the legal equivalent of the make wish foundation.
Sometimes you get a opportunity not the opportunity that you wanted.

[justche]

Don't see what a big deal this might be for most reasonable souls, unless churning up undue controversy would be a motive.

Think that might have been it! I think some people forget we should be compassionate and reasonable on some level!