Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act is meant to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination with housing and in the work place. While long thought to be geared toward those with physical handicap, it also covers those with a debilitating mental illness so that neither population is barred from housing or gainful employment.

Currently, there are an estimated 54 million people with disabilities in the US, and the majority have benefited from the law in obtaining employment. As part of the act, it is mandated that employers cannot rule out individuals with a mental or physical disability who are otherwise qualified for the offered position. It ensures that people with handicaps have appropriate tools to assist them, such as ramps for the wheelchair bound individual. Because of this, many people have been able to retain their jobs and suffer no loss of income.

In housing, it ensures that the residence is properly equipped with the supports needed to perform regular activities of daily living, and the tenant cannot be either disqualified from housing or forced to leave an already occupied dwelling because of a handicap. It allows for greater independence and equality for those who are not so fortunate to function within the realms of what society would deem normal.

It has especially benefited the mentally ill. Mental illness remains an often stigmatized and feared illness in society, and once was enough to eliminate the candidate from employment. It resulted in many mentally ill becoming homeless and living on public assistance or in shelters due to the fact that no one would employ them. With this act, as long as they are qualified for the position, they cannot be barred from being offered it. It has much improved their quality of life and has also made a way for society to break the misconceptions around this population. While they may be mentally ill, they are still people with the capacity to do many great things given the opportunity.

The Americans with Disabilities Act has also allowed for better access of the physically handicap to enjoy shopping and eating out. Places are required to have handicap accessible bathrooms and ramps for entry into public buildings. Public transportation now installs chair lifts on their buses so that individuals who cannot drive may have access to the public via this mode. It has truly improved the quality of life for millions.