Cultures, Ethnicities, and Races Case

The United States of America is a melting pot of many cultures, ethnicities, and races. In addition to cultural differences, other factors such as physical disabilities, often places a division amongst people. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Affirmative Action was mandated to protect the rights of the people against discrimination due to physical and cultural differences within the workplace (Atkinson & Hackett, 2004). Organizations are instructed to adhere to strict implementations of ADA rules and regulations to ensure all people are treated fairly within the workplace.

ADA and Affirmative Action

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill was passed by Congress in 1990, signed by President George Bush, and took effect 2 years after signing (Atkinson & Hackett, 2004). The purpose of the bill was to protect individuals with mental, and physical disabilities from discrimination on a national level with a mandated policy. In addition, the bill is to provide a clear understanding of standards that are enforceable to any acts of discrimination, and to make certain the enforced standards are based from a central role such as the Federal Government. The bill is enforced to protect those with disabilities in the private sector of the four following areas; employment, telecommunications, transportation, and public services. According to the ADA, employers are required by law to make rational accommodations for people with disabilities. Rational accommodations may include safe access in and out of buildings, and elevators, adjusting work schedules according to MD appointments, or providing interpreters, assisted devices, or specialized training sessions to maximize potential.

Affirmative Action is defined as improving employment and/or educational opportunities to members of different minority groups. Affirmative action is based on oppression,

discrimination, and segregation of people within an educational, and workplace environment. It encourages diversity in which women and minorities can legally thrust further into educational and professional opportunities.

Effectiveness of ADA

According to a recent study on the effectiveness of ADA as perceived through individuals with disabilities, an improvement in accessibility has been reached since ADA took effect (Hinton, 2003). The study also concluded that five years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by Congress, significant improvements have been made in the lives of people living with physical, and mental disabilities. The research also included the effectiveness of enforcement from the federal government to improve, changes, and progression towards continuing improvements. Since the passing of the bill in 1990, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities has decreased (Marketwise, 2013). The effectiveness of the ADA has created jobs for those with disabilities with big companies such as Walmart, and Sam's Club. For example, when walking into Walmart, the first friendly face you see is a store greeter, who is usually elderly, or disabled. The effectiveness of the ADA can also be seen at some organizations that accommodated handicapped accessibility with ramps for easy access. Needless to say, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been greatly affective, and continues to improve through recent changes.

Effectiveness of Affirmative Action

According to a 1998 U.S. Department of Labor statistics, African Americans are practically twice as likely as Caucasians to be unemployed (ACLU, n.d.). Although African Americans have come a long way in regards to Civil Rights, these statistics clearly show there is still obstacles, and challenges that are faced. Although Affirmative Action is geared to ensuring equal opportunity rights to all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, or gender. All invidiously should have equal access, and given a fair chance at employment opportunities. While this law has changed the lives of many minorities, and women, unfortunately, discreet discrimination is still present in today's society. Affirmative Action is still needed to break down barriers, and to