Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into Federal law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990, is landmark legislation to extend civil rights protection to people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government services, public transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and telecommunications.
Although religious institutions are legally exempt under the ADA, except for the employment provisions, the Seventh-day Adventist church believes it has a moral obligation to a higher authority to extend civil rights protection to people with disabilities. The ADA reflects the principles of love and justice that are the underpinnings of a life of faith.
In addition, congregations need to be aware of the ADA because of community services such as meal delivery and other outreach programs. Furthermore, it is to the benefit of the church and the commitment to the mission to welcome people in many states of physical ability and disability.