Has the Americans with Disabilities Act Made a Difference? A Policy Analysis of Quality of Life in the Post-Americans with Disabilities Act Era

Abstract

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed more than 10 years ago. Policy makers hoped to enable persons with disabilities to combat social barriers such as unemployment by preventing discrimination. It has been the most comprehensive piece of legislation for persons with disabilities in the United States, but the effects of the ADA have been debatable. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect of the ADA on quality of life for persons with disabilities and offer suggestions for health care policy. © 2002, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.