Number: RS22219
Title: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coverage of Contagious Diseases
Authors: Nancy Lee Jones, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§12101 et seq., provides broad nondiscrimination protection for individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations and services operated by private entities, transportation, and telecommunications. As stated in the act, its purpose is "to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities." Due to concern about the spread of highly contagious diseases such as epidemic influenza  and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), questions have been raised about the application of the ADA in such situations. This report discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act's statutory provisions relating to contagious diseases and relevant judicial interpretations.
Pages: 6
Date: October 15, 2008