Blackstone and the Americans With Disabilities Act: Employment compliance for educators

William Blackstone in his Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765-1769) set forth themes that have contributed to several current American laws, including the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. This paper will first outline specific areas in which the ADA affects employment policies and practices for educators. Suggested ways for educators to implement the ADA in job descriptions, interviewing and the employment process will be presented. Next, the paper will refer to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines regarding the ADA and employment. Brief descriptions of certain cases which address employment in education and the ADA will then follow. Finally, Blackstone's possible influences on this important civil rights act will be identified and discussed.