Which federal law protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the federal law that specifically protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various areas, including employment. Enacted in 1990, the ADA ensures that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided equal opportunities in the workplace. It prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their disability and requires reasonable accommodations to be made for employees with disabilities, thereby promoting their inclusion in the workforce.

In addition to addressing employment, the ADA also covers public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications, making it a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at ensuring access and equality for people with disabilities across many sectors of life.

By contrast, while Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act also provides some protections against discrimination in employment, it is primarily focused on ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is specifically related to the education of children with disabilities, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) pertains to the privacy of student education records, neither of which directly addresses employment discrimination. Thus, the ADA stands out as the most relevant law regarding protections against employment discrimination for individuals with disabilities.