Related Laws Overview

In the United States, several federal laws focus on disability or have provisions for disability. The focus of the Northeast ADA Center and this website is primarily the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but to understand the law as it relates to disability, it’s important to be aware of more legislation than just the ADA. Additionally, some Supreme Court decisions are key to understanding disability law.

For example, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) makes important clarifications and changes in the ADA. Also, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with its various amendments, covers federally funded organizations and many federal contractors.

Other laws, like the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), provide additional rights to people with disabilities. Each law has its own particular focus.