THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 AND EMPLOYEES WITH MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS - PERSONAL EFFICACY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (Public Law 101-336) provides persons with mental health problems basic rights resulting in full access to community resources, especially the rights and privileges associated with the work role. This paper discusses the law, personal self-efficacy, and four environmental aspects as they relate to the employment of persons with mental impairments: (a) employer and co-worker attitudes, (b) essential job functions, (c) reasonable accommodations, and (d) community access. Areas of intervention for occupational therapists in mental health include attitude and advocacy training, assisting employers in providing reasonable accommodations, and preparing persons with mental impairments to be successful employees. Examples in occupational therapy are reviewed to illustrate the implementation of the ADA with persons with mental health problems.