After you pass age 18, a person with a disability then gets covered by the American Disabilities Act or ADA. This was first passed in 1990 and then amended in 2008.

• When it was first passed, it was interpreted primarily as a way for people with disabilities to access public places (intended for orthopedic disabilities aka basic mobility stuff: like curved sidewalks)
  • Stores, sidewalks, public buildings, etc. had to comply when renovating
• Individuals who have various disabilities that affect their learning functioning are also entitled to accommodations under the law:
  • College students can receive extended time if necessary;
  • People can use technology to read (using a computer instead of having to decode themselves)
• Early 2000s: It was believed that the ADA wasn’t being followed. Its intent wasn't being met.
• 2008 Amendment Act: strong statements about what needs to be done for people with disabilities
  • Controversial statement in LD field: if someone has had accommodations historically, they should be entitled for life
  • This is controversial/problematic because these disorders should be treatable
• Many people with LD could receive accommodations up until medical school, because under ADA: “substantial impairment functioning” is below average. They were diagnosed under discrepancy and don’t fit that description.
• Undergraduates are within their rights to say people don’t follow ADA, but tend to follow discrepancy model anyways.
• Also applies to job accommodations:
  • Most people don’t choose to pursue (raise ADA flag) due to stigma even though it’s illegal to discriminate. They still don’t trust that it won't affect their applications, as getting extra time/less inefficiency doesn’t fly with employment situations.
  • We live in an ableist society!!!