Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

Prior to this legislation, the only employees who were protected against employment discrimination were the ones working for the federal, state, or local government and federal government contractors. They were captured by the Rehabilitation Act. As a matter of fact, it was the Rehabilitation Act that was used as a model for developing the ADA.

Five years after the Rehabilitation Act, the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1978 spoke specifically to people with developmental disabilities. It provided for federally funded state programs to assist people in that category of the population. The ADA had been first proposed in 1988, and it was backed by thousands of individuals around the country who had been fighting for the rights of their family members, friends, and co-workers.

They thought it was only appropriate for those people to have equal access to community services, jobs, training, and promotions. It was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. It became fully effective for all employers with 15 or more
workers on July 26, 1992.

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.

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