A quality implementation of Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

Abstract

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) will have a major effect on private sector employers. Employers with 25 or more employees must provide qualified persons with disabilities equal access to employment with or without reasonable accommodations by July 1992. Employers with 15 to 24 employees must comply with the law by July 1994. Occupational therapy managers must understand the employment provisions of the law and develop strategies for implementation in order to comply with its regulations. This paper suggests the use of a total quality management approach, as espoused by W. E. Deming (1986), as a framework for an implementation plan. This approach focuses on quality improvement in the organization, respect of all workers for their abilities, replacement of fear of persons with disabilities with respect, and the building of partnerships between employers and employees with disabilities. A summary of the provisions of Title I as well as a checklist of measures and a sample job description that adheres to the regulations of Title I is presented to prepare an organization to become compliant. Occupational therapists are seen as uniquely skilled professionals who can contribute greatly in their own organizations as well as act as consultants to other managers in implementing Title I of the ADA using a total quality approach.