The Americans with Disabilities Act: SUDs and Barriers to Treatment and Recovery
Description
There are thousands of people in recovery from addiction unaware of their civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This presentation will provide information on the ADA and how it applies to individuals in treatment for or recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). It will also explain how the ADA addresses alcohol, in addition to providing a general review of the law and cases that have interpreted the ADA’s protections for these individuals. This presentation will provide examples of instances when a person is covered under the ADA and how healthcare providers, advocates, attorneys, and others who help individuals with SUDs can support their client or patient’s ADA rights. This includes a discussion of where to file complaints if it appears that an individual’s ADA rights are being violated.
Learning Objectives
- Facilitate an understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) protections for people with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorders.
- Learn to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections for people with substance use disorders in the context of employment, state and local government and public accommodations.
- Provide clear guidance on where to reach out to assist individuals in learning about rights and obligations (the ADA Centers), as well as filing complaints of discrimination (DOJ or other appropriate federal agency).