Frank G. Bowe

Into the Private Sector Rights and People with Disabilities

Until late 1988, American social policy proscribed discrimination against people with disabilities only in the public (government or government-assisted) sector of the economy. Title V of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (PL 93-112), for example, regulated employment practices in federal agencies, federal contractors, and entities receiving federal financial assistance. The Americans with Disabilities Act (S.933 and H.R.2273, pending), however, reaches deep into the private sector and builds upon the precedent set by the 1988 Fair Housing Amendments Act (PL 100-430). In this article, the major provisions of the ADA are outlined and rationales are offered for the choices made in shaping the legislation; the focus is upon the Senate because the House had not completed action at press time. The bill represents a growing consensus by Republicans as well as Democrats that private-sector regulation is essential if people with disabilities are to gain access to telecommunications, places of public accommodation, transportation, and employment. It responds to data showing that few Americans with disabilities attend sporting events, see movies or plays in public theatres, or eat in restaurants (Harris, 1986) and that employment of persons with disabilities has actually fallen (Bennefield & McNeil, 1989) since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was passed, in large part because most new jobs created by the American economy since that time have been in small, private companies, very few of which are covered by that acts Title V requirements.

Economics and Adults Identified as Low-Functioning Deaf

Individuals who read below second-grade level, achieve in school below fourth-grade level, or have secondary conditions in addition to deafness may be identified by state rehabilitation agency counselors or other professionals as having “low-functioning deafness” (LFD). There are an estimated 125,000 to 165,000 adults with LFD in the United States today. Most do not work, but they tend to be on federal and federal—state benefits programs, notably Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI recipients typically also receive Medicaid benefits, whereas those on SSDI generally receive Medicare benefits. Federal spending on adults with LFD exceeds

A Journey into the Deaf-World (review)

1 billion/year. It would be less costly to the U.S. Treasury were such beneficiaries to be rehabilitated to work. Three national demonstration projects conducted during the 1990s showed that rehabilitating many adults with LFD is both feasible and cost effective. Nevertheless, few individuals with LFD are being provided with the services they require to become and remain employed.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans' Instant Messaging and E-Mail Use: A National Survey

Dr. Lane, a celebrated historian on deafness, is well known for his strong views in support of Deaf culture. His When the Mind Hears is a major contribution to the literature on deafness. Dr. Hoffmeister is director of the Boston University Deaf Studies program, and an active leader of Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). Dr. Bahan is an assistant professor of Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, and is a vice president of DawnSignPress, the publisher of this book. The former two are hearing, the latter is culturally Deaf.