Civil Rights: People with Disabilities
This fact sheet focuses on civil rights for people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact on ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility in all areas of public life. It covers legal aspects, current statistics, and available resources to support people with disabilities and their families in the United States.
Did you know?
Approximately 26% of the U.S. population has some type of disability.
More than 5.3 million Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. live with a disability, facing barriers such as language and proper representation.
Terms such as 'handicapped' and 'invalid' are discouraged in favor of more respectful language.
People with disabilities have significantly lower employment rates and wages compared to those without disabilities.
It is important to avoid both negative and 'positive' stereotypes that can overshadow individual abilities and experiences.
What you need to know
These rights apply to anyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
You have the right to receive information in your native language.
A historical review of discrimination against people with disabilities highlights the evolution from forced sterilization laws in the early 20th century to more protective measures such as the ADA in 1990.
People with disabilities have significantly lower employment rates and wages compared to those without disabilities.
Challenges include language barriers, lack of representation, and difficulties related to immigration status.
More Resources
MID-ATLANTIC ADA CENTER: www.adainfo.org
www.adata.org/guide/la-ley-para-personas-con-discapacidades-preguntas-y-respuestasThe Endependence Center of Northen Virginia: www.ecnv.org
The Arc Northen of Virginia: www.thearcofnova.org
The main goal of ECNV's BIENVENIDOS project is to disseminate culturally and linguistically competent information to Latino residents of Virginia with disabilities, their families, and caregivers so they can gain equitable access to disability-related rigths, services, and opportunities. For more information, visit www.ecnv.org or contact us at info@ecnv.org or call (703) 525-3268.
Disclaimer: Funding for the Bienvenidos Todos project/product was supported, in part, by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, under grant number 2401VASCDD, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.