ADA.gov/AIDS Home
Fighting Discrimination Against People with HIV/AIDS
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives Federal civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.
An individual is considered to have a "disability" if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. Persons with HIV disease, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, have physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities and thus are protected by the ADA.
Persons who are discriminated against because they are regarded as being HIV-positive are also protected. For example, the ADA would protect a person who is denied an occupational license or admission to a school on the basis of a rumor or assumption that he has HIV or AIDS, even if he does not.
What's New?
The Justice Blog
World AIDS Day 2011
blog.AIDS.gov:
Forging Ahead on World AIDS Day (Multiple Postings)
blog.AIDS.gov:
It is a Civil Right to Live Free from Discrimination on the Basis of HIV/AIDS Status
American Laser Settlement Agreement
Resolving laser hair removal company's denial based on HIV status of the full array of services provides to others who seek hair removal treatment
blog.AIDS.gov:
Department of Justice Settles with Cosmetology School in Puerto Rico on Allegations of HIV Discrimination
Modern Hairstyling Settlement Agreement
Settlement of investigation in response to an allegation that Modern Hairstyling Institute, Inc. discriminated against an HIV-positive applicant by denying her enrollment
press release
Justice Department Settles with Cosmetology School in Puerto Rico on Allegations of HIV Discrimination