Running head: THE ADA AND LABELING

Understanding Exceptionalities in the 21st Century

The American Disabilities Act and the Differently Labeled
Jennifer E. Hansen
Salt Lake Community College
EDU-2010-F14-Giddings

THE ADA AND LABELING

Abstract
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects individuals with
disabilities from discrimination in regards to employment, public services, public
accommodations, transportation and telecommunications. While it is important to use labels with
care, they can be a benefit to those with disabilities as they ensure proper services and support
are made available to them.

THE ADA AND LABELING

The American Disabilities Act and the Differently Labeled

The Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] of 1990 goes hand in hand with the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 in ensuring the protection of the rights of all citizens of the United States of America. In
Human Exceptionalities Hardman, Drew, and Egan (2011) describe the ADA as a U.S. federal
law that provides a national mandate to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities in
private-sector employment, in all public services, and in public accommodations, transportation,
and telecommunications. (p. 22)
Some may think that the ADA affects only those with disabilities, and their close family
members and friends. This is not the case. The ADA affects all the citizens of the United States
by further protecting the civil rights of all citizens and by increasing community involvement and
exposure of disabled persons. There is also an added expense to all citizens when ensuring that
all public spaces are accessible to those with differing abilities.
John F. Kennedy stated, This nationwas founded on the principle that all men are
created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are
threatened. (Nguyen, 2014) The United States can only be considered a truly free nation if all of
its citizens have equal rights and protections under the law. The ADA brings all the U.S. one step
closer to achieving the goal of equal treatment for all, regardless of race, religion, sex and ability.
By ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to work, recreate and be involved in
the community to the same extent as their peers without disabilities, the ADA is bringing these
individuals into more contact with the communities in which they live. As persons of all abilities
are working, riding public transportation, eating in restaurants, shopping in stores, and going
about other normal day-to-day activities, more people will be exposed to individuals with
different disabilities. This is a positive move toward even more equality for persons with

THE ADA AND LABELING

disabilities. Brown, Griffin, Keen, Lehman, Forbus, and Crow (2011) found that college students
who had previous exposure to persons with disabilities had a higher comfort level around other
students with disabilities, as compared to students with little or no previous contact with persons
with disabilities. (USC Journal) This suggests that as individuals with different abilities are more
integrated into their communities, the easier it will become for all to interact with each other.
One possibly negative effect of the ADA is the increased cost of retrofitting and building
parks, sidewalks, government buildings and businesses that are accessible to individuals with
disabilities.
One concern at the forefront of the discussion about persons with disabilities is the
balance between dignity and information when it comes to labeling. A label in and of itself is
not the problem. The problem is the negative connotation and attitude that has come to be
associated with the label. The term mental retardation comes from the Latin ritardre, which
means to cause to move or develop slowly. (Heritage, p. 714) The label of mental retardation
was meant to convey a person that learns at a slower pace than so-called normal individuals.
Because of misuse and abuse, retard has come to be a very offensive term. Much more socially
acceptable is the new label: intellectual disabilities.
When using labels one must take care to use the kindest terms possible, and, most
importantly, always remember that one label does not define any one person. The individual in
question is first and foremost a person, and whichever label may be significant to your
interaction with that individual is only a portion of that individual. John is a caring, intelligent
and funny person with a physical disability. When used with care, labels can actually be of
benefit to those with disabilities. Labels are used by medical, psychological, social and
educational professionals to communicate with each other, and to be sure that the right kinds of

THE ADA AND LABELING

services are available for those with specific disabilities. Labels are also used by governments to
determine what kinds of assistance or accommodations are needed by persons with disabilities.

THE ADA AND LABELING

References
Brown, S., & Griffin, J., & Keen, S., & Lehman, L., & Forbus, L., & Crow, L. (2011). The
benefits of prior exposure to persons with physical disabilities. USC upstate
undergraduate research journal. Volume 4. Retrieved from
http://www.uscupstate.edu/researchjournal/default.aspx?id=37226
Hardman, M.L., & Drew, C.J., & Egan, M.W. (2011). Human exceptionality: School,
community, and family, eleventh edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Kennedy, J.F., (as quoted by) Nguyen, V. (2014). 20 inspiring quotes about equality for the 50th
anniversary of the civil rights act. (quote 3). Parade. Retrieved from
http://parade.condenast.com/311401/viannguyen/20-inspiring-quotes-about-equality-forthe-50th-anniversary-of-the-civil-rights-act/
Pickett, J. P., & Pritchard, D. R., & Leonesio, C. (Eds.). (2007). American heritage dictionary:
Fourth edition. New York, NY: Bantam Dell.