55 Jewish groups urge blocking bill that weakens Americans with Disabilities Act

Fifty-five Jewish organizations have called on the US Senate to oppose legislation that would weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The organizations sent a letter, organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, to Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposing the Americans with Disabilities Act Education and Reform Act. The US House of Representatives passed the legislation in February in a 225-192 vote.

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed on a bipartisan basis, in 1990. The law has enabled the disabled more access to housing, education, public and private spaces and businesses, and public transit.

Under the reform measure being considered, individuals with disabilities who encounter barriers in public accommodations would need to first notify the business of the issue and observe a waiting period before seeking legal recourse – a lengthier process than under the current law.

The 55 Jewish organizations that signed the letter represent the main religious streams, rabbinical and cantorial organizations, those that focus on disability inclusion, and others promoting social justice and civil rights, social service networks, and groups working with young people and older adults.

“As Jews, we are acutely aware of our obligation to create a more inclusive society and our responsibility to fight against policies that would make life more difficult for people with disabilities,” said William Daroff, the senior vice president for public policy for Jewish Federations of North America and the director of its Washington office. “We are thrilled that so many of our national partners in the Jewish community understand the importance of inclusion and the necessity in protecting these fundamental civil rights.”