Promise: Broad Protections for Americans with All Types of Disabilities

Broken: Courts have narrowly interpreted the ADA. People with diabetes, heart conditions, cancer and mental illnesses have had their ADA claims kicked out of court because, with improvements in medication, they are considered “too functional.”

Promise: To End Segregation of People with Disabilities

Broken: The institutional bias in America’s healthcare funding system still forces children and adults with disabilities out of their homes and into isolated institutions.

Promise: Equal Access to Employment

Broken: In 2005, only 35 percent of working age people with disabilities were employed compared to 78 percent of people without disabilities.

Promise: Equal Access to Economic Opportunity

Broken: People with disabilities are two–and-a half times more likely to live in poverty.  In 2005, median household income for people with disabilities was $35,000 compared to $61,500 for people without disabilities.

Promise: Freedom from Discrimination in the Workplace

Broken: More than 98% of ADA employment related cases are dismissed – without regard to the alleged discrimination – because judges rule that people with epilepsy, diabetes, mental illness or other disabilities are not disabled enough to be protected.