EEOC TO FOCUS ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AT NEXT COMMISSION MEETING

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will hold a public Commission Meeting on the tenth anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Thursday, July 27, at 2:00 p.m. at agency headquarters in the first floor training center, 1801 L Street, N.W.

"The Commission looks forward to discussing the many accomplishments and future challenges of ADA enforcement as we commemorate the tenth anniversary of this groundbreaking law," said EEOC Chairwoman Ida L. Castro.  "While people with disabilities have made steady progress in all facets of society since the ADA's passage, there are still too many obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential in the workplace."

During the meeting, EEOC plans to issue new policy guidance on two significant disability- related issues.  The Commission will also issue a comprehensive report analyzing the agency's enforcement of the ADA's employment provisions (Title I) since their implementation on July 26, 1992.  In addition, the Commission will hold a wide ranging discussion with senior investigative, legal, and field office staff looking back at the history of ADA enforcement and looking ahead at challenges in the 21st century workplace.

Title I of the ADA prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, discharge, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to enforcing Title I of the ADA, EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older; sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Equal Pay Act; and the Rehabilitation Act's prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government.

Further information about the Commission, including a preliminary status report on ADA enforcement, is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.