Intent is considered in determining whether an ADA took place.

Intent is considered in determining whether an ADA took place.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Disability discrimination under the ADA is judged by the effect of the action or policy on people with disabilities, not the person’s intent. The ADA prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations or access, so a policy can violate the law through discriminatory impact even if no one meant to discriminate. For example, a facility with architectural barriers or a workplace policy that blocks reasonable accommodations can be liable regardless of management’s intentions. While intent might matter in some defenses or nuances, it is not what determines a violation; the outcome for people with disabilities does.

Disability discrimination under the ADA is judged by the effect of the action or policy on people with disabilities, not the person’s intent. The ADA prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations or access, so a policy can violate the law through discriminatory impact even if no one meant to discriminate. For example, a facility with architectural barriers or a workplace policy that blocks reasonable accommodations can be liable regardless of management’s intentions. While intent might matter in some defenses or nuances, it is not what determines a violation; the outcome for people with disabilities does.