What significant legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is significant legislation that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Enacted in 1990, the ADA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This includes provisions that require employers to make reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform their jobs, thereby promoting their inclusion in the workforce.

In contrast, the Fair Labor Standards Act primarily focuses on wage and hour laws, such as the minimum wage and overtime pay. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons but does not specifically address discrimination against people with disabilities. The Older Worker Benefit Protection Act pertains to the rights of older workers and does not extend protections based on disability status. Therefore, the ADA is the legislation specifically designed to combat discrimination against individuals with disabilities.