I am really excited to introduce a guest post today. It is written by my former co-worker Chris Howell.
Chris is an independent corporate writer, video producer and consultant specializing in copywriting, online video, newsletters, grant writing and other forms of business communication. Chris has been writing since 1988 as a news reporter, web content editor, newsletter designer, and technical writer.
Chris started his career as a news reporter at WOSU-AM in Columbus, Ohio; covering such diverse stories as art exhibits, labor actions, and auto racing. After moving to Orlando, Florida in 1989, Chris served as news and promotions writer for business-formatted station WBZS-AM. Chris wrote and produced radio ads for local restaurants, retail stores and other service industries. Chris is the recipient of the Associated Press Best Breaking News award and the Denton Award for Best Documentary.  Chris received his B.A. in Journalism from the Ohio State University.
For five years Chris provided marketing communications and grant writing to the nonprofit Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc.
Chris currently blogs about nonprofit communications at http://www.speakupnews.com/ and runs the communications company Howl Media Group LLC at http://www.howlmediagroup.com/.
Here is Chris’s post:
This month marks the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the American’s With Disability Act (ADA). The ADA is landmark legislation that helps define and protect the rights of people with disabilities in so many ways.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the details of the ADA .
The ADA says employers or other employment-related organizations cannot discriminate against a person with a disability. For example, employers cannot deny employment opportunities, limit a job applicant, fail to make a reasonable accommodation or fail to promote an employee based on disability.
The ADA prohibits discrimination by local and state governments to access programs and services. This applies to public transportation, public housing, public assistance and housing referrals.  One important application is to public education.
One of the better known provisions of the ADA deals with public accommodations. Under Title III, no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation.  Public accommodations include most places of lodging (such as inns and hotels), recreation, transportation, education, and dining, along with stores, care providers, and other public places. Private clubs and certain historic buildings are exempt from this provision.
Title IV of the ADA requires telecommunications companies to ensure equivalent services are available, specifically to the deaf and hard of hearing. With today’s technology, the deaf and hard of hearing can use computer-based video and text services which has greatly improved communication for those populations.
These are just some highlights of the ADA. The act is much more complex and has been amended over the years to detail additional rights. At this anniversary it’s important to recognize this law for the opportunities it has opened up for people with disabilities. The ADA is an important law but remember that as a person with a disability it’s your responsibility to know your rights so you can advocate for them when necessary. The fight for increased disability rights goes on.
Here are some websites with additional information on the ADA and disability rights.
U.S. Department of Justice Guide to Disability Rights Law : http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm
National Disability Rights Network : http://www.napas.org/
Disability Rights Advocates: http://www.dralegal.org/
Disability Rights Legal Center: http://www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org/
A heartfelt thanks goes out to Chris Howell for contributing today’s post to my blog.