First published in 1985. In this remarkable book, the author has compiled a large collection of resource material that will be of benefit to the student as well as the practitioner of equal employment and affirmative action (EEO/AA). This book includes a broad scope of information on EEO/AA from its infancy and progresses through its rapidly changing and developing stages. Indeed, this book will be an invaluable asset in easily acquiring and supplementing one’s basic knowledge as well as providing a general overview of the subject area.

“A really, really good book . . . both a specific history of [U.S.] disability policy as well as a broad story of the politics of social change.” —Jeremy R. Levine, American Journal of Sociology Despite the progress of decades-old disability rights policy, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, threats continue to undermine the wellbeing of this population. The United States is, thus, a policy innovator and laggard in this regard. In Politics of Empowerment, David Pettinicchio offers a historically grounded analysis of the singular case of U.S. disability policy, countering long-held views of progress that privilege public demand as its primary driver. By the 1970s, a group of legislators and bureaucrats came to act as “political entrepreneurs.” Motivated by personal and professional commitments, they were seen as experts leading a movement within the government. But as they faced obstacles to their legislative intentions, nascent disability advocacy and protest groups took the cause to the American people, forming the basis of the contemporary disability rights movement. Drawing on extensive archival material, Pettinicchio redefines the relationship between grassroots advocacy and institutional politics, revealing a cycle of progress and backlash embedded in the American political system. “A broad and ambitious study of the evolution of American disability policy and disability rights, incorporating changing policy approaches, governmental institutions, and social movement activities.” —Richard K. Scotch, Professor of Sociology, Public Policy, and Political Economy, University of Texas at Dallas “Excellent. . . . A must-read for those interested in social movements and citizen participation.” —Andrea Louise Campbell, Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science, MIT “Compelling.” —David S. Meyer, University of California, Irvine

(a) Design and construction. (1) Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction was commenced after January 26, 1992. (2) Exception for structural impracticability. (i) Full compliance with the requirements of this section is not required where a public entity can demonstrate that it is structurally impracticable to meet the requirements. Full compliance will be considered structurally impracticable only in those rare circumstances when the unique characteristics of terrain prevent the incorporation of accessibility features. (ii) If full compliance with this section would be structurally impracticable, compliance with this section is required to the extent that it is not structurally impracticable. In that case, any portion of the facility that can be made accessible shall be made accessible to the extent that it is not structurally impracticable. (iii) If providing accessibility in conformance with this section to individuals with certain disabilities (e.g., those who use wheelchairs) would be structurally impracticable, accessibility shall nonetheless be ensured to persons with other types of disabilities, (e.g., those who use crutches or who have sight, hearing, or mental impairments) in accordance with this section.

Disability, Civil Rights, and Public Policy examines how implementation policies in these areas evolved through protracted political struggles among a variety of persons and groups affected by disability rights laws. Efforts to influence these policies extended far beyond the process of legislative enactment and often resulted in struggles played out in the courts and the executive branch. The role of symbolic politics, the strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary models used for policy implementation, and the politics of administrative policymaking play key roles in this study.

Pautas dirigidas a políticos y legisladores, con el propósito de mejorar la eficacia de las legislaciones nacionales orientadas a la formación y el empleo de las personas discapacitadas. Se hace especial hincapié en la legislación contra la discriminación y en las leyes que establecen cuotas.