Allsup and AAPD Celebrate 23rd Anniversary of the ADA
Belleville, IL (PRWEB) July 19, 2013 -- The American with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law July 26, 1990, calls for equal treatment and access for individuals with disabilities. In observance of the 23rd anniversary of its implementation, Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation, and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, celebrate the ADA’s protections for those seeking, receiving, or who have received SSDI benefits, and recognize the continued need for protections for all people with disabilities.
On Tuesday, July 23, AAPD will host its annual Justice For All Awards and ADA Celebration, two events in Washington, D.C., that recognize the legacy of the ADA and the protections it brought to people with disabilities. These events will bring together members of Congress, senior corporate executives and members of the disability community, while honoring current disability rights leaders and recognizing the progress that has been made.
SSDI is designed for individuals who have paid into the federally mandated program through payroll taxes. It provides monthly income to individuals who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and who can no longer work because of a severe disability expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. To be eligible for SSDI, an individual must have documented medical evidence of his or her disability.
Most people who receive SSDI have conditions so severe they are not able to return to work. However, there are many who eventually want to try to re-enter the workforce. The ADA makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone based on current, past or perceived disabilities.
The ADA broadened the definition of disability and strengthened protections for workers with disabilities. In addition, under the ADA, discrimination based on the fact that an individual received SSDI or has had a documented disability, is illegal.
Specifically, the ADA protects three categories of individuals:
1. Individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
2. Individuals with a record of a physical or mental impairment.
3. Individuals regarded as having an impairment, whether they have an impairment or not.
For example, someone who received SSDI while undergoing cancer treatments may be able to return to work after a year or more. If an employer does not hire or promote the individual based on concern the cancer may return, the employer would be breaking the law. The ADA prohibits this type of discrimination in all employment practices.
“While we celebrate the ADA as a piece of landmark legislation that dramatically improved the lives of people with disabilities, we still have much more work to do,” said Mark Perriello, AAPD’s President and CEO. “With eight out of 10 people with disabilities out of the workforce, we must do better to ensure hard-working Americans with disabilities can have economically self-sufficient lives like everyone else.”
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. Visit http://www.Allsup.com or connect with Allsup at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
ABOUT AAPD
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is the nation’s largest disability rights organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Visit http://www.aapd.com to learn more or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DisabilityPowered or follow us on Twitter @AAPD.
Tai Venuti, Allsup, http://expert.allsup.com, +1 (618)803-8807, [email protected]
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