Achieving Independence The Challenge For The 21st Century PDF Download

This report is the third in a series of independent analyses by the National Council on Disability on federal enforcement of civil rights laws. This report looks at the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enforcement activities from 1990 to 1999 of four key federal agencies: the Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Communications Commission. Findings indicate that while the Clinton Administration has consistently asserted its strong support for the civil rights of people with disabilities, the federal agencies charged with enforcement and policy development under ADA have been underfunded, overly cautious, reactive, and lacking any coherent and unifying national strategy. In addition, it is found that enforcement agencies have not consistently taken leadership roles in emergent issues. The following recommendations are made: (1) the Department of Justice should provide assertive leadership for ADA implementation and develop a strategic vision and plan for ADA enforcement across the federal government; and (2) the Departments of Justice and Transportation, the EEOC, and the Title II referral agencies should strengthen methods for the timely and effective enforcement of ADA. Appendices include a summary of the ADA. (CR)