Which law extends the non-discrimination protections of the Rehabilitation Act to various aspects of society?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is indeed the law that extends the non-discrimination protections established by the Rehabilitation Act to a broader context within society. The ADA was enacted in 1990 to ensure that individuals with disabilities are granted equal opportunities in various areas, such as employment, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

One of the key aspects of the ADA is its focus on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring that they have the same rights and access as individuals without disabilities. This law is significant because it provides a comprehensive framework for addressing issues of accessibility and inclusion across different sectors, thereby affecting a wide range of societal areas beyond just employment.

The Rehabilitation Act, while important for establishing initial rights for individuals with disabilities, primarily focused on federal employment and programs. The ADA broadened these protections, making them applicable to private businesses and state and local governments.

Understanding the role of the ADA helps in recognizing how far non-discrimination policies have come, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in various facets of societal life.