The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About0323.000- • \ .,-... "<""!;""'..,.,"''',... .. _ .... ~ '"c""""-,~,_,." .. _' .. ~)\ -~-~~.~---.. o Hay 31, 1990 THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL Palo Alto, California o z,KERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (S.933 and H.E.227U Members of the council: 8 The Human Relations Commission voted to bring this pending legislation to the attention of the City Council~ The Americans With Ois~bl1ities Act would provide broad based nondiscrimination protection in the private sector for persons with disabilities and would apply to employment, pUblic services, public accommoQations~ transportation~ telecommunications, and services operated hy private entities. This comprehensive leqls1ation builds on_ and provides ~larity to, an extenslve body of statutes, case law .. and regulations relatec: to the rights of the disabled, paralleling tite provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ~hich prOhibits discrimination on the basis of race. color. natIonal oriqin. sex J or religion. The most sIgnificant advancement is that the prohibitions contained in the Americans With Oisabilities Act extend to all entitles and are not tied to only those receiving federal funds. Attachments to this staff report provide information on the specific provisicns of the legislation. The senate version of the bill, 5.933, ~as approved last september by a vote of 16 -S. The House of RepresentatIves bill, H.R.2273~ was passed on May eel 1990, with a vote of 403-20. A confere~ce committee will meet to resolve differences in the two versions. after conqress reconvenes June 5. The Bush administration has endorsed the concept of the legislation. The Hmnan Relations Commission and members of its Disability Awareness Task Force have been closely following this legislation and have orged members of the House of Representatives to approve ~he bill as passed by the Senate l without further amendment~ A nuz]:)er of concessions and compromises ~ere made durinq Senate consideratIon of the bill to assure that the legislation ""111 increase the access of persons with disabilities into the social and economic mainstreaa and y<et not place unreasonable burdens o,n the businesses, agencies, &~A other entities ~hich ~ust comply. CHR:32J:O , , '~ , f I , .. , " ,.,,,:j-~ .... ;.;..,~. ". - -..J -. "',-,0':"- o o The HUman Relations comm! •• ion requests that the Palo Alto City Council voice it •• upport tor the Americans With Di.abilities Act and direct the Mayor to .. I'd letter. to that effect to the appropriate .eabera of Conqress and to the Pr •• ident ~ Respectfully sUb.ittea, !ld7tz~ vICCl ;;&;; q.uu.-~¥ JUNE FLEMING A •• i.tant to the City Manager Assistant City Manager ~j;!1J AdDinistrator l HUman Services Attachments CIIR:3Z3:0 4 ~{ .. , I[IIIijCI"'.--. --:-~:-.~~". :~; ·;';;1· --- • - ,"' <;>;( .. '\~ :-:~' .- "" t_ ;: -- _0--,-··· . __ City ofPafoAIto HUMAN RElATIONS COMMISSION Humin Services (4IS} 329-2375 februarjl 14. 1990 PO SO> 1(1)(). P,wMa. CA9430l Congressman Jack Sroo~s~ Chairman Jud\"ary C~mm'tt~e U.S~ House of Represe~tatives ~'$hin9ton. D.t. 20515 Dear Congressman Brooks. fhe Pa10 II,1t1l Oisabi.1it,. II,war~f'\€SS TasK. flJrc~ is an i.cj'\,/isory body under H,~ Ruman Relations Commission of the CitJ of Palo Alto c~arged ~it~ a~~isir.g the City+governmerlt .. raisi~g publfc ilwarerleSS; a.nd acting as adllocites-on behalf of people -with di5abilities on issues of concern to th-em. Therefore, 'IIIe are particliTady interested fa the legislation now: pending hefore your co.r.-.rr,ittl2'=. lnown as the Amerfcans wit~ Disabilities Act. We urge t~at t~is legfslation be passed quic~lJ with~ut any further ~eaKening amendments, a~d ~e ~il1 be monitoring its progress t~roug~out the leg1s1Gti~e process. Our 'Wfeiolls on t~f.s matter are motiyated by both per50nal and so-cial (oncerns. Per$onally sDealfng~ the ADA can ~aterlall1 improve the quality of l1fe for mjl1ions of indi"Ylouals with d,sabilities~ as-well as for the,r families ~,'id friends4 Socian,~ tnlS legislation needs to be passed becaus.e it is. morally and ecoilomicallJ t~e right tnlng to d~. Persor;s with disabilitles ~ave the same "mcral r19~t to ~articipatioD ift human actf~ities t~at an)one e1se does·4 to 'have access to jobs. flousing. transportation and public 5enjCE'S~ ar:-d to be treated equall] im all of these areas. And in. Economic terms. it 1S y)tal to enahle them to get involved in meaningfil ~ork~ We cannot go on ~asti~g the largely untap~ed skills of t~is sizablf pop~Tatioo. nor can ~e afford the cosU··both public and prhate--of i 60% unemployment rate among this grc,,.p. The ADA is an important step ia adaressing thes~ problems 2nd we ~rg€ )O~ to give it your ~ost (areful consideration.- ,.1. Alto TiS, Fo'ce f~r OisabilitJ A~areness • • . , . , • • , . , , _...l..... _____ ------~-----------~.~ 89-582 A , ,. 2 , ,- t". '0 ,/ .' '- -, . , The Americans with pisabilities Act, S. 933, As Passed by the Senate: An Overview i .... [Ii'<] 11 .r ' .. - Nancy Lee Jon~ Legislative Attarney American Law Division October 20, 1989 ~ .. , rnr •..... eRS , \ ,,- , \ \ \ -\,-" . • , \ , i l ... --... :-. '-. .'- o 0 THE AMERICANS WITS D1SAllILlTlES ACT. S. 1133, AS PASSED BY THE SENATE: AN OVERVIEW SUMMARY The Amtrlea:ns Witb Disabilities Act (ADA), S. 933 ."d H.R. 2273, 101>t Con" 1st Sesa .. would provide bros!!' be.s.ed nondisc:riminatioD protection tor penons with disabilities in the privBt!' eectal-and would c.;,ver I'mpJoyment, public: HrvicH. pl.lbTit aee.ommodations and lervkes operated by private I'tltities J transportation, and telecommunkations. \ L • o THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 8. 933, AS PASSED BY THE SENATE: AN OVERVIEW BACKGROUND OF THE LEGISLATION The Amenean. With Diaabiliti .. kt (ADA), S. 933 ond H.R. 2273, 101ft Cocg, Jot Sou, wouJd provide broad beoed DondiocriminatioD protection for pel"fOnl witb diNbilitiH in the private NCtor and would cover employmec'4 public oervltoa, public IlW>mmodatioOl omd _. operated by priva .. ontiti .. , t:ansp<>rtation, and tele«>mmunieatio.... S. 933 and H.R. 2273 were iDtrodueed on May 9, 1989 ond paued the Senate ""th oubetantial amendmento 00 September 7,1989. The ADA' originated in a proposal from the NationaJ Council on Disabilities' and simHar legi151ation was introduced i.e the lOOth Congress." . IJ> al.ting federal otatutoty promion, ..nion 504 or th. Reh.bilitatioo .Act or 1973. 29 US.C. oec. 79(, prohibits dis<rimloation against an <>the""';" qualified individual with handicap> .orely OD the beoio or lucldicap iD any program or activity that reoejvea federal' rma.neiat usistanee,. tbe u-ecutive agenci .. or the US. Poetal Service. Many of the CODC.pla .... d in the ADA originated in oeotioD S04 juriopruclence aI.boujh oeetion S04 dilfen erom the propoaed legl&lation in Avera! waya. The moet fignjflCaDt difTennc:e ill that aeetion 604'. probl"bition apinat di&cri.mination it. .. neraIly tied to the "~ipt or federal funds wln1. th. ADA wourd oover entiti .. not receivin, .""h funds. The ADA «>nr.tln.s a opeclr", oe<tion Jtatin~ that nothing in th, act .ball be «>DSt:ruecl I<> rocIu .. the _ or <overage nquired or the Itonclarda ~ppUed under the lIo:Z::Jlfi~natioo prorisiom: or NCiion 604. I &efereneea to the ADA in this report Mel!' only to the TeHlon as paued by the Senou. • The Notional Council 00 Diuhiliti .. ;. an independent federal I",""Y ",bOlO otatulory fuDCtio", iDcIude proVidi:>g raeommendatioDl I<> the Congress nguclinl iDdi";duala with dilabiliti... 29 US.CO .... 781. Tbe legi.lotion noulted ronowiDc two nporto by the National Council, Toward l~ (1986), one! On tk ~ 0{ I~ Q988). Legi.r.tioo or tbio typo ..... aJ.o reoomm,nded in the 1988 npon or the Preaidential Commi .. ion 00 the HUDUm IlIlDIunocle!icie""Y V ..... Epidemic. I S. 2345 and H.R. «98, lOOth Coni· , \ • / • , '- - . -- OVERVIEW OF THE LEGISLATION Section 1 ill til, ,bart title and table of contento ro< til, bill, Section 2 let. out coc,ereaional' fincfinp and purposes wbile aectiOD a provide. (or definitiona of aumljary ajdJ, and Hrv1ceB~ cfisability. and .ute. The term _bility ill clefined .. lIleanini with reopect to all individual W • pb,.; cal or mental 'impakment that IN'bstac.tiaI1y limits one or more of the major rife IlCtivitiee of lUeh individual. (B) I r9COrd 0( .ucb lin impairment; or (C) being regarded u havinf INch an impairment.· ThiI definition it drawn from tbe d.rmitional _n applicable to ,eotian 5()4 of tb. Rehabilitation kt-' Titkl-E~ Title I :provides that DO cov~ entity .han discrilllinate against 8 qualified individual with a eIi •• bility becau .. of tbe cflSability in Nprd to job application procedure.~ the hiring or discharge of emptoyeu~ empio.yee compensation, advancement" job fraicing, and otber Urm5., conditions and privileges or employment. The term employer iJ denned u • penon enpged in an industry affecting commerce who hu 15 or more employees for each working day in each 0( 2U or more calendar weeks in tbe current or preceding eatecdar year~ However .. ror the fmt two yeara following the ti,tJe'". effeetive date., only employers 'With 25 Dr' more employees lin covered. Title I ;noorporateo many of tile regulatory cancep!.s let farth in tile regulations promulgated punuant to .ectioc 50(, including the rtq<..1Irement to provide reesonable aceommodation unless lUeb accommodation .ould pose an ucdue hard&hip 00 the operation of tbe bus.inel5.-Rea:locable aceommodatioc and undue hardship are .• tJ:i derltled and an aeeptit:>c to the d~rj.nitioD or qu aTified inelividual witb • di.~"'1ity regarding megal drugs and ",cohol ,.,.. added fO<' title L The re",edi .. ..,d procedures M rO<tb in NOtion 706, 'XJ7, '109 and 710 of the Civil Riibtl: Act oC 196( are iccorpon:ted bJI refere-nei!. These remedies would include injunctive relief Ilnd back pay but cot compensatory IUld punitive damages.' Titl'e I would become effective 2.: mooths af\.er eDsetme:c.t. Title n provid .. that DO qualified individual with. di.ability ,ball, by NUOD oloucb c!i.ahility, be excluded fro", tile partidpatioo in, be denied tbe • 29 US,C_ IOC. 706{8}. , See 45 C.F.R. Part !4_ , For a mon detailed discuHion of remedies under tbe ADA let' Da!e, ~medies and &anding to Sue UDder S. 933 .. tbe -Americans Witb Disabilities Act 0( 1989: CRS 8S-336A (May 26, 1989)_ \ , • \ \ , '. ~ " \ \- -. ".\ ! .. ' i I I • ,e,'._. .--. ----:_,', .. ' '-.. ,- ____ ~ ______ ---A o o beoelill or. 01' be oubjected to diKriminaLo. ry a deputme.t, Ore""1. opecial P"'PO" &tric:t, 01' other ~nt.l1t.1 of • S'.ate or Ioc:al eovernmen, Specific nquiremenll are lOt forth nprdm, public traDJpottation and aI1 D .... !!zoe! route _ are to be mecle _'-ole WII ... It can be demonstrotecl th,t DO lift. .,.. o •• J1oble. Poratranoit;' alao requiN<! U • IUpplement to moe! _ poh6c tnmoportation .... cept .. bere it would impoae 'aD undu. llnancial burden' 'n>e mforeem.n' remedi .. 0( _on 605 0( the Rehabilitation kt, 29 U.s.C. uc. 794a. are incorpon.tecI by ..,ferenee_ Tbeee remecIi .. would be oImiIar to thOle 0( title VI 0( the Civil Right. Aet of 1964 and would iDcIude cIamap ODd Iqjunc:ti .. ..,li.f_ TIH! .fferlive date ror title D i.o the date 0( _on, reprdin, new lind route .. bicJu but 18 months aI'.er .r.actmen' lor other ptJl'pOIeO. 1'ilk 111 -PId>Uc Ac<:o~". ~ Servicu 0;>m>I<d &y PriIJak Entities Title m provides that no individual .halI be <liacriminotod Bpi"" in the tun and equal enjoyment of the pdsJ 1eJ'rices , facilities, privileges. advantages .. and accommodations of any place or public aceommodauon. on the baa;' of -disab.i1ity_ Entitie. to be coverecl by the defillition of public aeeommodation are fisted' and would include .. llDon, otbera. hote!s. rutaurants. theaters, grocery rtores.. .bopping centers.. and the proreu:iona) of'ftc:es of health care provider.. However, .ueb entities would not have to be made aceeufbre unleu the cbanges are "re&dily .chievabl~· a term which iJ: defined m the act wiDg eriteria .imilar to tboee in JeCtion 504 I'f!rulations,'f Ie addit:ion,. the title contains IpecirJC provisions relating to the prohibition of discrimination in public transportation .uvicea provided by private entities, 'n>eremec!ies ofoection 204 of the Civil Right. Aet of 1964, (2 US.C .• ec- 2000a-3(~. (which bav. been ren<Tally ;"te'Protod not to include dameges) are incorporatecl by rererence_ The effective date 0( title II ;. 18 montbs after _nl. Title IV W'D'JJd &meed tbe Communications A.et or 1934 to provide that th. Federal Commullicotione Commiuion (FCC) .hall ODOUre that into .... to end intrute.te teleeocucunicationl relay 1el"Yices are available, to the extent ~8ib]e and m the most efficient mannera 10 hearie,-impa1red and .lpeech impaind iDdividuals. The FCC iI ,livee .. ntoreemeni authority for these proviaiODl and oucl! .. rri< ... halI be provided not later than 3 yean after the date of enactment. , See 45 CF.R. HC_ ~ .l2. ~ .... ".""."""".' .. -~'-" ~~. t~ .. : "ll ., . , - - I , , . .:. .. t 7 L - . -.-..... -::-- : t" • o Title-V contains nrioUIl milCe!lan~ proV'''IOtui including • lection d .. eribm. the ADA '. eODBtnJction with Heard 10 other Cedeno! I .... ; • pro';';on Indicating that the ADA oball DOt be co...wed to prohibit or rest:rict pneraJ inaurance practices;. a prohi"bition apill5t retaliation and eoerclon" a pravilion indiea.ting th .. t ConpeR intends tha.t the statu not be immune /rom ruit uDder the ADA; • aeetion providing that the ArcbiteeturaJ and TnmaporIation Barri,n CompEADCe Board (ATBCB} .hall ioau. minimum JUidelinHi a section providing ror attorney&:· fees; • .lection providinl for t&chnjcal UliJ.~j, • .ection pl'ovidin,g for • stud,. Oil federal wilderness are .. ; two .. ctiona limiting the definition 0( disability 10 it is not interpreted to include trallBve8ti·tesJ hom06ex:uaJjty and cert.ain otbu conditions. a s!(:tion providin, for eoc.gressional (:overapi • Hction diseusaing the 'Uit of illegal drugs.. an amendment to the deIinitioc of hanwcapped perioD in tbe Rehabilitation Act; andl finafly. I leverabilir:y elause. 1!~~ Legislative AttOrney L ",--, • i • , '" r • . " ...,- --4 ------""-------- o o Atti!llcMent 3 OytByXEW or THE AMERICANS VTfB DISABILITIES ACT or "Sg (As pa.se~ ~y the Senate, Sep~e&ber 7, 1'89) .The Aaerican. With Di.~iliti.s Act of lt89 (ADA) 1. an oan~. civil ri9bts otatute tbat prohibit. diocr1aination a9ain.t individuals witb disabiliti •• In private •• ctor eaployaent, all public services, public accoamodation., transportation, .nd t .. l .. co .... ""ication •• s .. ction 1 10 the abort Utle. Section 2 ... ts out conqr ••• ional findin9" and the purposes of the bill. Section 3 define •• everal key term. ouch a., 'dioability' and 'auxiliary aids and •• rv!c ••• • rhe •• definition. are comparabl .. to the definition. u.ed for purpose. of .ection 503 of the Reha~llitatfon Act of 1973 (which prohibit. discr1alnation against persons with disabilities by government contractors) and •• ction 504 of tbe Rebabilitation Act of 1973 (Whioh prohibits discrimination a9ainst pers~. with di.abilities by recipient. of tederal financial a •• istanee). Title I specifies that an employer, employment &gency, labor organization, or joint l~bor-~anaqement committee may not discriminate aqainst any qualified individual wtb a disability In reiard to emplgyment, including any tar., condition or prIvilege of "plo)'lllent:. Th. ADA incorporates by reference the enforcement provisions under Titl. VII of the Civil Right. Act of 1~64. Title II .pecifies that no qu~lif!ed IndivIdual with a 4i.abillty •• Y be discriminated against by • State. agency pr politico) &ubdiyIs!RD of , state, or a board, commission, or other instrumentality of a Stat. or political .ubdivi.l~n. fitle JI also includes specific aotions applicable to public transportatioD provided by public transit authorities consi4ered discriminatory. Finally, Title II incorporates by referenee tbe enforc •• ent provisions In aection 50S of the Reh&bilitation Act of U7J. Title III specifies that no individual shall be dI.cri.inated o9ainst, on the ba.is of disability, In the full and equal enjoyment of the qoods, services, facilities, privl1eges, advantages, and accommodations of any pI Ice 9' public Iccgmmndation operated by a private entity on the ba.i. of diaability. ~itle III also includes specific prohibItions on disert.ination in ~rt.tlon services provIded by private entiti ••• ' Finally, Title III incorporates the applicable antorceaent provisions In Title II of the Civil Ri9bt. Act of lPlf. Title IV specifies that telephone servic., ott .. red to the 9an.ral public .ust include Interstate a~_ int.ra.tate te19POrnmunJeation relay •• ryiee, _0 that 5uch •• rvices provide individuals who use nonvoiee terminal devices becau •• of di.abiliti •• with opportunities for co&munications that are equal IOVEP-) I • '~ . ./~. \ , .. ', o o to tho •• provided to indivIduals able to use voIce telephone aerviees. Yitle IV incorporates by reterence applicable enforc ... nt provi.iDns the Co .. unlcatlons Act of 1'3~. • -Yitle V includes .IacelleneDUs proviaions. includinq: a conatruction clause er,plaining the relationship ~tween the provl.lona in the ADA and the provlaicns In other tederal and State lays: • proviaion statinq that the ADA does not affect insurance undervritinq pollci •• ; a prohibition aqalnst retaliation, a clear statement that States are not immune from actions in Federal c~rt tor a violation of the ADA, a directive to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to i.sue guidelines, and authority to .ward attorney's fees. ...,--._-_._-_ .. _ . . . ,-L -" . -, .. " .... ".," -.--. ~t, - -..J. ' .... ~' . ,'-,' .. . I , - AnA: DEPIl'U'J:ON OF DlSAIIIL1'I'Y \ \ • !he Aaericans with DisabIlIties Act (ADA) is patterned after Sectiem 50C of tbe Rel>abIHtaUem Act of 197J. Section soc i. a lav which prohibIts discrimination against people with di.abilitI.s In a range of ar.a. (such a. _plopent, .ocial services and education) on the part of entltl .. that receIve f."eraI" funds. It 1. a lev Which has been in effect, and Yhich has operated vell. for over a decade. ~ • The ADA's definition of disability 1. identical to tbe defInItiem under sectIon 504, with the exception of deletion of coverage for current illegal drU9 users (see below). J:n .ddition~ the ADA uses the ter. ·dl&abl11~y· rather than -handicap,· to reflect our term of choice in the disability COIIlIIunity. • Under SectIon 504'. definitIon, and bence under the ADA's definition, a person wIth a dIsabIlity 1. defined .a: 1) • person with e phy.ical or .ental impalraent that substantially Halts that person in aODe major life activity; or 2) a person with a record of aucb a physical or mental bpairaentl or 3) a person who Is regarded as having 5ucb an impairment. • !hia three-part definition of disabIlity has been in place aince 1974 under SectIon 504. This definition has been "plified In both regulations and caselav. Firat, to have a disabill ty, eme auat have IlrI .ctual physical or .antel bpail"Mnt -not .taply a physical con4itiOlj, such as black hair or blue eyes. second. the disability must be serious enough eo as to affect ao.e fOnl of ":lor life activity, such as walking, talking, breathing or working. • 'The definlt.l.on alao inclUdes 15omeone with. reoord of an .IJopatr.ent. !hen include, for exaaple, individuals with a history of .ental illne ••• heart disease or cancer, who no longer have the disea •• but who are d!.crl~lnated against becau.e of their record of an iapal rment .. • Tbe definition a150 includes individual. who are regarded •• having IlrI iapai ...... t. 'l'bis is designed to include indivId"c1la who aay not bave a physical bpainlent that actyally li.ita • major lIfe activity, but who are nonethel ••• r~arde~ a. baIng i.paired and It.it.d. For exaaple, thl. would includ. a person Who bas a .ignificant physical burn on hi. or her face which doe. not actually li.It the person In any aajor life activity, but who i. (OVER) • " I _. r. , ': .- .'~-- - ""'; nonetheless di.criminated against because of the d!5fjvurement. It has also included~ in Section 504 cases~ children Who were not ect'ti.ally .entillly retarde~~ but .. -t.o were .iecl ••• ifted and treated as such. • rhia three-part definition of dIsabilIty Is a critical ""_,,obent of the coveraqe of both Section SOt and the AnA. CQn9ress' inte~t in adopting the definition in 1974 ~as to establIsh a broa~ definition that vould ensure adequate protection for individuals experiencing any form of discrimination based on disabilitYI including discrialnation baaed on II)'ths and stereotypes. • Congress also .ade an intentional decision not to try to llI1 every possible -.dical disabilIty that exists, but instead cbose to establish a generic. runctional definition tha~ would encompass the type of ~ondition Congress ~isbed to protect froD discrimination. When the agency issued requlations to implement Section 504. it also expliCitly chose ~ set forth a list of specific diseases and COnditions ·because of the difficulty of ensurIng the eomprebensiveness of any such list.· And ",hen Congress pa.sed the Fair Pousing Aaendaents Act jgst last year, it again did not try to list ell possible conditions covered. but instead adopted the establIshed Section sot definition of disability. The House Judiciary Report to that bill noted that not only would it have ~en i~possible to ensure the comprehensiveness of such a list. but some ~edical COnditions .ay DOt even be di.scovered or be prevalent at the tilDe legislation is passed. • Section 504'. definition of disability also bas ~ been tIed to 11m! • person becule disabled. Any effort to remove protection for people with disabilities based on hoW such indivIduals became disabled cuts into the very core of the bill--vhIch is des iI/lied to prohibIt irrational and Dnjustlfied discrimination taken on the basis of disability. • ~ere Is ~.e respect in which the ADA·s definition of disability 1§ dIfferent than that Yhich currently exists under Section S04. Individuals who are Addicted to drugs have a .edical disability and have been previoysly covered under Section S04. Of oour5e~ 5uch individuals have always hod to be qualiried for the job and could not po •• a threat to other5. De&pite these restrictions, there was significant pressure to remove all protection for indivIduals vho are currently using illegal drugs. The Senate-passed ADA~ 'therefore, exclgde. • person vbo is currently using Illegal drugs frOil the definition of an Individual with a disability. Thus, employers and others can discriminate against Individuals Who use illegal drugs, because of that use, without any liability under the ADA. In addition, the ADA explicitly allows employers to enqage in drug testinq for illegal drugs. , o. , . ., i· , \ , . , \ \ \ , \ I • • i \ • -:} ., .-. • __ _ ___ c_ ___ _ _ _____ ___ o o AnA: IIKPLOYKEII'r PROVISIONS -0 !be Americana with Dilabilities Act (ADA} i. patterned attar _ion S04 of tbe Raha!>llibtUon Act of 1973. Section SOt Is a law Which prObibits discriminatIon against people with disabilities in a range of areas (auch as "plopent, social s.rvic .. end education) on the part of entitie. that receive federal funds. It i. a law which has ~n in effect l and which has operated well. for over a decade • • ~e ADA' •• mployment provisions vill ultimately cover all employer. vbo have 15 or acre .-ployees. This is the same scope of coverage which exilt. under ~itle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1,64 ror race and sex .mplo~ent dbcrbination. o Tbe first basic eaployment provialon of the ADA is that an employer _y DOt refuse to hire a peraon vith a disability, because of tile person's disability .. Wben that person Is CllLlllIfie4 to perforll the jol>. This b exactly like the law which exists 1n race and sex di.cri.lnatlon~ As in those areas, an employer can continue to have all types of job qualificatIons, such as requirIng a certain educational level or requiring that tbe person be able to perform a certain function at a certain competence leve:l. What an employer cannot do is to refuse to hire or to promote a per.on because of that person'. Wabi1ity, vben that person otherwise ..oets ell the qualifications of the job. e Tbe second basic _loyment provldon of the ADA is tt.at an employer .ust .aka reasonable .oco..odat1on. for a person vith • disability, if that accommodation vill all"" the peraon to per to ... the essential functions of the jol>. Tbis 1~ a requirement that has been in place under Section ~4 tor 15 years. It is a very _t.ple l yet •• senti8I, requireaent. Wbat it ~eans 1. that if there is some .odification in a job's requirements or structure that an employer can dol wbich viII not cause the e~ployer undue bardsbip, ~t Which x1ll .llov the employee with the disability to do the job, that modification or change must be aade. For example, if plaCing an amplifier on a t.l.~e, or lowering a desk, or establisbing a flexible vork schedule viII allow a person with a disabilIty to per tors • job, that type of accOllllDOc!ation coulCi be required. • Onder the ADAI Vbather an aooo-.odation 1. ultiaately required depends on tvo things. nxn, tbe .cco .... odation h •• to really work; that is, it has to result in the employee .ctually being able to do all the essential functions of the job. Second. the accommodation lIay not ~ii' r wi I'C""""'""'~~~P-' ! - • "-, , ~: '., , .' 1.--"'. \ : ", ' '. ' , j ! I I , I l , : .... -;. • - o lmpc.~ an undue bard,blp on the employer. This is 8 1009- _tanding standard under section so,. It means that the aocoa8odation cannot i.pose .1gnificant difficulty or expens. on the employer, ta~lnq into account .pecifically . the a1n of the buaines.&, the number of employees" the type of business" and the nature and cost of the accommodation. • The remaining prQvi~ions in the AtA"C e~ployment section are •• sentially .ubsets of these two .ain provisions and derIve directly from the regulations and caselev under section 5-04. FOr example, an employer may not segregate or cla •• ily persons with disabilities in a way that adversely affects their employment status. An employer may not deny an employment opportunity to an individual because of the indivIdual's need for a reasonable accommodation. Finally~ any employment tests used by the employer that tend to screen out persons with disabilities must be shown to be jOb-rela~ed and consistent with business necessity. • With reqard to religious entitlea~ the ADA incorporates the -religious preference-provision that appears in Title VII. V,nder this provision~ a religious entity can qive preference In employment to individuals cf a particylar religion. The ADA also includes a second prevision vhich states that a religious organization may require~ as a qualification standard to employment~ that all applieaM!S and employees oonfora to the religious tenets of the organization. • The eaploy.ent provisions of the bill do not take effect until tvo years after the ADA'. date of enacaent. This sIqnificantly delayed eftective date was requested by the Administration during negotiations _pecifically to give busInesses ample time to become informed re9a~ding the provIsions of the ADA. Upon the effective date. employe~s with Z2 O~ ~ore employees will be covered. £mploy~rs with 15 or _ore employees vi11 be covered two years later. .. , ; , \ < ' , , -. MOUBLIC ACCOMMOOATIONS o WHAT IS CONSIDERED A PUBUC ACOOIJ-!OOAIION? PIAI/ic: .ooommodatlons """'" hotels. reslauranfs, thealer5. hIIJIa, efo(e&, offices, muMlA'IIS, par1<s, IOdaI ~ agencies, 8Chools, gyms, e!c. The ADA Isfs 12 C6ltigooies of esIabIishmenls oons/dIIred public accommodafions -pieces of Iodg'~, es1abf1Slwnenls MNlnllIoocI or drlnk, places of exhibition or enI9rta~ p/a08$ of aseembIY, Malls aaJes .-labllsIvnM*, eeMoe n\abroSrvnenls, ira~ !erminals. places of puNIC disp/ay or coIIecIion, peTI<s or zoos, echooIs. social eeMce estabAshmenis and places of •• ercise or recrea6on. . WHAT IS BEOU!BeD? 1. It would be Illegal for !"ti1C accommodations 10 e.cIude or refuse 10 NrV8 a person with a disability. 2. e.and new buIkIi~ must be accessible 10 people with disabilities. Access In new construcIIon Is noIotIousTy inexpensive, gal'l8r1llly adding 112 of 1 % or lass 10 • building's cost To make this r8QI.Oremanl evan mora reasonable. "" ADA cIoes no! require efevafors In bufldlngs under 3 stori8$ or undef 3000 aqua,. lee! per 8Io<y, unfes. "" 'aci!ily will be B hea"" care 'aellly or shopping center. 3. Exlsti~ ,.c:lIijies must only remove banIers • the f8mova/ Is "readily ac:ll1evable: clefll"l8d In "" Act as -easily acc:ornpllshable and IIbIe 10 be carried out wiIhou( mucI1 diffIcvIIy or expense." For example, a lacAity may have 10 place a ramp over one or two steps. or add a g<ab bar, or Instaft a paper cup dispenser 10 make a waler fountain more accessible, to "" exlanlll1allhe modIflC8flon Is easily "ccorr9ishable by the faCIlity. It would DQ! require mal<><" modIflCallons .uc" as long ramps, Ifts, OO/I1)TeleTy remodeled reslroorns, or other aucI1 changes which would no! be easily aecompI"lShable, wllhoul mud! expen&e. TIis requ!remanlls cJelt>arafefy cJesigned to be llexlbly 8WIfed 10 businesses of aJT alzes. Whal fs easily aCCQmpllshabie for. large business is different !han for. ltI1aJT one. The ADA axplicftIy mandales "allhe size and na!ure of "" busIness be laksn lnIo accounI in cIaIermrni~ wha1 Is raadily achievable. 4. FaclTllies undergoing renovation would haYelo make fie renoveled area accessible to people with disablTrties. In "" case of major etructu<aT renovaf"""" an accessible path of VIva! would have 10 be 0I0Vkfed 10 iha renovafed area. and lacArties servInQ fie renovalecf area. ha • res!loom, wou!d have to be accessible. (OVER) . ','-, " . : ',.:.,.. . ,).. , , '. \ -' . \ .. -_. , . -?-\~- ·' , .. '-. .' • i _ \ i _ ---,,---,---,~----------------- 5. In lacHilies lhal 0, accessible, and where bani ... Ova! Isn' fNdily ~v.bIe, a-nemalive methods must be used IG serve disabled people I they are no4 burdensome. Thjs means, lor a.ample,1hat I • clfycTeaning establishment has live aIeps, II>e sial! would come down the NI .. to take !he clothes \0 be cIfy~aned"om _ customer usir>9 • ~It, and return 118m to !he customer., alike mllM8r. 6 .. PublIc accommodafoons are requlred \0 provide "a""iIiary _leis and eeMc:es" to ""able a penon wfth a disablltly to use I.nd ~y !he goods !~ S~~! ~anabTe at a faCllity,.un~ss ~~.so ~ ~ ~ ,,_ .... -_...,de" ...... ..,;,;;;; V1 disn..lp!'¥8 to!hs fr ... s., .... ss. n,u"",ar'l .' ....... ' .... tIiIIM_~ refer 10 sllCh lhing. as large prinI materials, \ape recordings, eaptloning and other slmna r services and devic9s. Pracficaflty and ellecliveness can be considered" choosing among anemaflve aids and services. For "xample, a reslaurant would no4 be required to provide menus In bfaffie I • provided a wafter or other person 10 read !he menu to a blind person. t.to<&over, eSlablishrnems are no4 required to provide an auxilia ry aid or service IIlaI is an "undue burden" upon ihern or h1 would "lundamenlany ane" \he service or goods !hey provide. The sIze amd nature'" !he business is considered undar !he law In delermining whether an auxffiary aid is an undue bUrden. HAVE THESE REOUIBEMENTS BEEN TESTED BEFORE? Laws in many stales were used as model. lor !he ADA. Including Georgia. New YOIl<. Norih Carolina, Conn9Clicul, and California, ABf.IHERE my FlNANCW. !NCENT-'Y.ES FOR BUSINffiSfS m COMP!,.Y? CurrentlY. fl. IRS Code anow. businesses a $35,000 emu .. 1 lax dedvctIon for OOSIs tlcurred removing erchl!ecIural baniars 10 aid access for people with cflsabllrnes. ~ ..... ' ........ ' ., .. ' . '.' . .' . , ' - , \.. , .V. • • ' . -"-t· \ , ! I I ...J" i r. . " .. . . ! Tho ADA ha~ been C8,trfully crafted 10 mallB a .... "'at lis reQUlrem.",t. take In\o aecounlll1e Mads .ndslluations 0( smaK busi'>esses. Some 0( the mejor .. ays In .. hich !he NJA has been tallo<ed 10 consider and make eIIOwance lor !he :»eds 0( "" amaft business oper.1or i"IcIud$ the following: o Exttr!¥lf1O!! lor sma!! .mpI!!!YIfS Ttfu' feSpe<,'\ 10 .mpIoymenl, Ihe biM to\a~y e.empls a~ .mpIoY"~ wlIh fewer tha" 25 employees for "" firsllwo y&ars. andlhose with rllW&f fhan 15 arter that o Undue hartIshi> fimllafjoo For Ihose employers Targe enoug/1lo be coya red <!esplle the aman employer e.eTnPfoon, the eM)' 0( maldng reasonable accommodations for employees wlIh disab41ifia. does rlOIoPOfy when an accommodation would Impose ." "undue hards""." Among. thti factors \0 be considered in determining wI>e1her an undue hardship exlsls. lila bill specIIicany &sis ..... 0.8<.1 .In 0( a business 0( a cov&red entil)l .. ith respecllO the number 0( employ .... number and Iype 0( facilities. andl>e size 0( Ihe budget" Thus,Ihe requirement 0( maldng employmenl accommodaroons varies In r.larlOn 10 Ihe aize and budge! 0( an employer. with Ie.s being required 0( a smaller. less p<08p8fOUS Mines •. o 8uW~ievabie limn on harrilr removal in Ixi&fiog p ff«; aet(OfMlOdaflOflS. Place. 0( puNIC accommodafoon are required by Ihe blll \0 remove archileclvral and c:ommooieafoon barriers in existing faCllities My II • Is "readily acl1ievabTe"10 do so. Readily achievable means "easily accomp!isllabla and able 10 be earried OIl!. wlIhoIA much dlfficufty or expense." In deTermIning .. ha! Is reacffly adievabie the NJA again specIf,... !hat the sfze and budge! 0( a business are \0 considered. A Mom-and-Pop store Is hekllo a rnuclllower $1andarcl than Is a highly ,....anced. big national c:oncem. o Undue burden ImDaf'PO r~arding luxiljary aIdJ.B wy!ces PubrIC I~a!ions are rlOI req<jred 10 provide auxmary aids and services J doing so WOtlId ,,"un in an "undue burder\." N. .. Ith"undue hardship" aM "reacffl~ achievable: 1he ADA specifies thallhe delerminaflOl'l of what Is an undue burden mtJ$I take Into acx:ounll/le size and budget 0( • business. A slruggrong ,man business wlU be excused from provlcflnQ an auxA1ary aid 0( service in circumsla"Ces where a larger •• nora p<osperous buSIness mighl be requlred 10 provide .. (OVER) • 1 , \ ,:-... ;, . ~_ ,-.-.".0-' " . _,,_:,;~2? . . , .~~~.~ -':-' , , .... ; , : j 1 '1 I j , . , . ~ .'-- .. . ~ o The ,levalO( .x~ !or Ima" by!!dj~ 0 . The ADA generaM1 r~es Icces.ibt,"y In new constructIOn ()Q(\$,ste<1l wtth ov8nohe!ming _nee flal fle costs 0( accesslbi'ay BI!he design and conslnJefion ~~~ are r.'iN;r:Q't. To 1ut-;-~i prio~,=,\,;i "rIICli! businesses. however, !he bI!I has 811ded an exce¢oo 10 accessibtlijy lequfrements wnh regard i.": oman buildings. FO( buildings IJ>aI are Ies. \han 1hnIe I10ries or IIlaI have ~!han 3,000 square reel per sIofy, (no mane' t.ow many afories}, no e'''vafor fs required -"ithllr for new construc!iOn 0( for r""""alion proje.:ts. " The !J!i!dffy.l> Ces' ibl. IQ ar'l!!~ill!l! by .landar" Th6' AD,;.'., doe-:. tvA require1ofaror unrversa1 acc:esstbo!1'rty even in regard to newl) ~;i.:.ct.., 'ae~"i.s. The ·readily accessible 10 and usable by· elandarO drawn from prvvious staMes and re~a'iOns imposlls acce.slbllijy obligaroons IIlaI are tailored 10 Ih& l)lpe and USII 0( "ach par1icular 'aenny. II ®es no! require !hal an parking spac9s, bathrooms, sIan. wnhfn bathrooms. e1c. rn.ve 10 be accessible, bvI only a reasonable number, dependjng on such "~eforS as !heir Iocar.", and number. Asman faenijy is ~kely 10 hBve fewllr areas and sel"llices, and therefore, fewer areas and services 10 make accessible. The ADA does no! require a business 10 add' accessible drfnI<ing lounIains and bathrooms I it does no! oIherwise p'o~ lounIaTns 0( balhrooms. Sma" businesses with !he fewest "frills· will have fewer sucl1 Hrv)cBS and conveniences 10 ma'ke accessible. o ~ar<>O$ relay 5l!rygS The ,slab!islvT1enl 0{ leleoommooieatio<\s relay services forind"rvidoaTs wfIh speec't or hearing impairmenT. as provided"" In Tnl. IV 01 \he bill was an accomrnodaroon 10 !he needs 0( sman busine.ses. This sys19m was crealed 10 perm~ persons using telecommunications devices lor the dear (TDDsJ 10 con!acl businesses tTvoug/l a relay syslem in neu 01 requiring an businesses 10 have TOPs ihemselves IQ permft customer 10 can to maKe resoNar.",s, purchase ficKe!s, check on sfore hours 0( at.ow limes, ate. o ~nsalOQ' and punitive damages lor.....diK!imLf"lAIpfy putlI"lC 'ccom~~ A compromise In !he Senafe removed from Ihe blH proviSions flal would havo permitted !he awarcling 0{ compensalOf)' and punftive damages IQaln.! amployers.,.. places 0( pubflC acoornmodaroon found 10 have cliscnmlna!e<I~ Some ha" argued Ihallh& prior monetary damage. provision. ml~be 100 ha~ and tha! many smar( businesses wou!d be unable 10 aflord al COUO$ello advise !hem and so would risk serious financialliabmty ~ he remedies ava~able now onder !he bUi are higIIfy advanlageous 10 $maR bUSinesses. The harSllllsl remedy tha! will generally be available against a 8man puNIC accommodation will be an Injuncroon ordering _10 slop lis discriminalO<)' acfrvi!y. In employm9nt. !or those larger business h! have over t 5 employees, \here Is also no abtlijy !or plaintiff. 10 receive oompensatO<)' or punitive damages. o/'-I1tji ",,_ J - , , • " \ l , \ .,. , , ~. \ , .J ' .. -".,~~,~ ..,.-r-~ ~ . \ I· -.. 0'" TRANSPORTATION o PU8UC TAANSfT The Amerk:an$ with OIsabllijies Acll9QUlres tlaI p..t>r1C .. and aulhOrllles tIu!I'Ia eny new yttbk;!ts __ f>ose vehicles .,. a_1bIe 10 peopIa with dIidIttes. NO RETROFITTING IS REOUIREO, CQmparable perahnlit MMoes rmm IIso be provided unless I raaufta t1 an undue f\Mnc/a1 butden. By requimg boIh bed lOUIe accessible eeMca for ... maJolllY or dltlbled persons who can usa 11. and comparable para!nlnslt aaMce fOr thou who can'\. the ADA will insura I1aI a multHnodal syslem will be In place 10 serve the enlirll disabI1l1y c:ommun!!y. Multi-rnod'alays\ems havII P<OV8!I ~ In many dIies. incIudirog cIIi9S 00Ih large and SIneR, Mal and urban. In boIh cold and warm cfimaIes. Spac:laJlZecI para\'allsl! aervlce alone can never meel ". Iransil need. or people with di$abIIi\Ies. Paratfll!)$l\. 10 axpensive service to run. tMtyI\II:!Iy poHS servjce 1irnftaljons to """ cos1s !rpm Ilsyrpcjss!jng. For axampla: o o o o needing 10 cal days In adva~ having ttl> pu!pOH fimlla£lOnS (e.g. cIoeIar visits and worI< may be aAowed buI claSHs. ahopping. and banking m/gN not be) having &mfted hours or Op8f8flOn (a.g. no evening or W4I8I<artd MMce) having cumbersome reglstra!loo proeedur9s. mel<lng ... II8NIoa unavailable 10 newcomers and vfsftors o having !engUly walllnlllSls o having geograpllical (milalions -a.g. can only hvellO ~ or one's own town or S\bJ!b o o hamg to pay a highe' feelhan regular bus fa,e being alloWed only a cel1aln numb&r or ride. par monIh (a.g. IG) Ou\Ij!!ing new busas wl!h I!1b Is alrea.,. .... dafinfte tomeS: more and more cilia. lIVe'Y year decide 10 buy only 1IfI~ buseS. Many or I>ese cftIas experience Inclamera wealhef cond1\Ion$ (e. II. BuIIalo and New YOII<, New Yo<!<; Johnstown, Pernsylvania; Oen_. ColOrado; ~gne-Utbana. oonors; and OsIiIosh. WlSCOMln). n-. c:IIies VL.., gredy In size; 0sh/<0sII has a bus IIeeI or 25 while New yo<!< Cl!y"s Is almost 4 .. 000. !Iu:YIng new busu wfth [!!Is adds IDl~ to .... coil (less t>an alr ~1). and rnainlllna~ eosIs have aV8feged, In many dIie., under $500 par year par bus. One p8fSOIlln a wt.eldlalr who uses an accessible bus Ie) and .. om work ItVe()' day will pay fof lie local communfty'. C05l or !he lilt equ!pmart. The ADA has buill m !I!I.!blI1I)'1or~. Many or I>ese ....... purchase UMCI buses or orly have a demand-response .yslam \hat III used by ..,eryone -disabled and norHIisabied persons. Va.., buNs need nor be accessible •.... y ara nor avaRable after makinSl"goocI fallh" (OVER) • \ • , \ , • '.. _... \ • , l .--.. I. r I I I PRIVATE INTERCITY nv.NSIl The ADA also requIfes private lnIercIIy nnspo<1a!ion proYkfv8, -*' .. Greyl'oouncl, to ensure IIlaI D!!!r buses are accessible, buI a spedal •• etrplion Is given; the requirement cIoeSS,nIo e"ect for ,,!ail"oU,pt.~arsCQ lor large providers and ~ for .maR r., An Offoce 01 Technology MN6smeni (OT AJ study Is mandatee! 10 lermlne !he mosl feasible way 10 provIdea_. While the ADA will roquire coaches purchased aner lhis period 10 be accessible, a IW!<ific mefhQ<;l !or making !he ooac!Ies ICC!!ulble ltD' dic!aled. The Ol'AStucfy will clet9rmlne !he most feasible way 10 provide access. The six year leeway Is ample lime !or !he development 01 inexpensive aooessl8chnOlooY. Even lodBy, Denver provides a model example. In Oe~ver, ecces.l6le over-the-road coaches are in service using an Inexpensive lift now wkfely av.nab/e, Uke ma~y other 1eCIInoIogy·lorclng slaMe. such as t>cse Iha.I reQUIred air bags !or cars and po/Iutlono(X)(l!rol devices for certaIn Industries, the ADA mandala will faoll11ate the deveTopmeni 01 even belter, cheaper lechnology for intercity over-the-road coaches. Nole; the ADA 60es noI require accessible res!room. In these coaches. CHARTER AND TOUR COMPANIES The ADA woufd no! requIre retrofitting oIa single bus or van; access is only required in new vBhlcles. Moreover, most char1er, lour, and IIhuttJe servloas are demand response .ys1.ms, In these .ysle'l1s,!he ADA oNf requires new vehicles to be accessible r 1111 sysllm Is noIl!Trea<ly aoeesslble "when viewed in lis entirety". ThIs means 1I1al r a charier company can aooommodaT6 aft 01 fts dlsabled patrons via lI1e number 01 aooesslble vehicles it already has (or by using leased vehicle.), newty~sed vehiclils donl have 10 be acc&ssible. RAJ\. TfIANSIT New ra" facilities will have 10 be accessible. Also, !he AOA requires ... 1 one car per tal~ in axls!lng commuter ralt.lg!ll ralI, and he~ raJ! .yslems be accessible wIIflIn Ilve years, and ... 1 key slalions be accessible within "'" years, with eXllmp!ions avaltab1e for exlraorlfmarily expensive allualions for I.p to 20 yeats. Amlrak sra60ns must be a0C8sslbfe within 20 years. In New York CIIy and PI1nadelpNa, key commute' ra1 8!afoons l1l1I curreni!)' being made aocesslble as a resut. oIlegaT sett1emanls t>rouohI under sial. law_ These c~ies can serve as models 01 how 10 leaslbfy relrofd key staIions In currently-inaccessible raU sysrem •. • \ , . " • \ \ ::~ I I \ . . -I /~I " . . o TIlle rv of ... Americans 'MIh Of$8blJlljes Ad will req<.iIw an common ealTfers to pnMde ~e 8fld H8Is!lrI. te/eco<rWT>unk: ~ ~s fo< IeIephoiIe can. made betwAe1\ · .... ro d ~ deIIIcies fo< ... deaf {I"DO$} and us ... d ~oon.. A .. DO Is a machine fIet cen be \lied to lend end receM <:Oded L •. .alS _ "phoc .. a.-to CIIhw l'OOa. The IIgnaIS era received on paper and/or. acre.! or d!SPlay 1enni1a1. TeIeeOmmunicallons r.'ay I8NIces are .~ \hal enable peqona wI"O use TOOs to can)' on telephone convarealiona wfII1 persons who do no! use .uch devices. . To use a relay 8eMce. a caner who uees • TOO d!aI. the relay ~·s number and Iypes her message 8fld then places a \-00:. call \0 ~ ... ear_ party. Relay SeMce personnel !hen receive a voice message "om !he called party and "ansmft • 10 ... eaI1er via TOO. ThIs process conI1nues until ... ea" Is completed. with rafay persomel conv.r1ing an voice messages Ho typed 1ex1 and ". TOO messages Ho voica. Currenlly. flere ara 17 stales wHh formal relay programs. In len .odItiona1 stales, ralay 8ys1,,",' are ICh8duIecI to begin operations within a raw l"'ar •. Typicany, relay systems Ihal now 8xIsl fali shor1 01 meeting the basiC lalepl10ne needs d in<fMdual. wI\!1l1earing end sp&eeh Impalrme!1ls. Usually, !hese syslems are underfunded and understaffed. As a resull. they lIropoM reslricflOOS on the number, langlh. 8fld types d can. '&hal can be ,.rayed .., !heir .Iates. In acldl!iOn. many stales wfth relay lys1ema now operating do not perm" Inferslate cans 10 be ,.layed. Many relay programs alSo luller i'om excessive delays and biocI<age rates. II is no! uncommon fo< relay use", 10 eon!rot t repealed bu$y lignal. 0<' lnIermlnablll walling periods wI!om \"ying 10 access. relay line. WlIhout equal a<:oess 10 !he lelephone, ~als wiIh 1'eamg and 8p88Ch impairmenls have been denied Ihe QPPOI1unfty 10 fully partiCipate ., the malnslr9am of society. Forced 10 depend on C!hers In order to UN the lelephone, hear\'lg lmpalrOM18fld speech inpaired persons haw been IsolaIed !rom !he social and eoonomJe Ives of !heir communllie •. The ADA will require raray services 10 be avanable 24 hours each day. 7 days a weel<. without restriclions on ... IYP8,1engIh. or numbe< of cans made by any relay user. lh's is !he Iype d serVIce \hal evel)'Of18 else i'I!he counIIy tal<"" 10< granted. The rales 10< any ralayed can wID be no grealer "an !he rales charged 10< • direc;1 d!aI caI1 with !he earn. points d origina!lon and terminatiOn. (OVER) , , • .'* -"\' 1 .~ t "'-•'}., ....... . _. -~ ',." .' > -- • , . "-WII~ Ihe "0" m~!.s lhese minimum r8(lUlreme;~1 also afIonfs considerable !lexib<1i1y 10 bo!h common ee~ and slBles hI •• 1 up !/'leit own f9lay sySlems. Stales h! ha<a relay PfOII'ams me y eonIinue operating lIose P'OlI'ams II>e) /ge&we ce<1if!C8flOn !toni Ihe Fpde~ Commun1caflons CommisSIOn (FCC)1hBIIhey have me\ minimum tlandem anc( guidelines. The k1 al$O leaves 10 the disCO'e!ion 0I1he comm<>I\ earners lie means by whfct\ \he relay syslems will be funded. In lie pas!, !elephone CIOmI)4nJes have added 8 fllW pennies a monIh 10 \he bill! 01 eft lheit CU$\0m8rs. 1'his l!; certalnly a sman amounilO pay lor relay systems, given the overwhelmlng ber ... fils 01 le19phone access lor ind'Mduals wfIh hearing and speech Impairments. . overview infor-mation :pro'Jided by Consortium for Citi:;:ens With Disabilities t12/7/89). • \\ , .' '. • .