Jewish groups ask Senate to oppose bill that weakens the Americans with Disabilities Act

Fifty-five national Jewish organizations have called on the U.S. Senate to oppose legislation that would weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The organizations sent a letter, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., opposing the Americans with Disabilities Act Education and Reform Act. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation in February in a 225-192 vote.

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed on a bipartisan basis, in 1990. The law has enabled the disabled more access to housing, education, public and private spaces and businesses, and public transit.

Under the reform measure being considered, individuals with disabilities who encounter barriers in public accommodations would need to first notify the business of the issue and observe a waiting period before seeking legal recourse – a lengthier process than under the current law.

JTA