---
title: "Americans with Disabilities Act — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment and public services, ensuring equal rights."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/americans-with-disabilities-act"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a U.
- S.
- Who signed the ADA and when?
- What did the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 change?
- What are the five titles of the ADA?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a U.S. federal civil-rights statute prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities across employment, public services, accommodations, and telecommunications.

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In Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Georgia's unnecessary institutionalization of two women with mental disabilities violated ADA Title II, mandating community-based placement where appropriate.

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