Milestones: 1992

On July 26, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) becomes effective. It is now unlawful for private employers with 25 or more employees to discriminate against individuals based on their disability. EEOC is responsible for enforcing Title I of the ADA.

The Commission releases the Americans with Disabilities Act Technical Assistance Manual, a practical "how to do it" resource for workers with disabilities and for employers. The Commission provides nearly 200,000 copies free to the public, while the Government Printing Office sells an additional 20,000 copies.

Congress passes the EEOC Education, Technical Assistance and Training Revolving Fund Act of 1992 enabling EEOC to provide technical assistance and materials to stakeholders. The fund is supported from payments received from the recipients of EEOC training.

The Commission decides in Jackson v. Runyon that federal employees can secure compensatory damages in the EEO-Administrative process and need not file a federal lawsuit. The Commission reaffirms its decision when the respondent agency requests reconsideration.

EEOC issues enforcement guidance on how to assess compensatory and punitive damages available as result of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.

EEOC issues guidance stating that "testers" have standing to file charges under Title VII and therefore EEOC will investigate charges filed by "testers." Testers are individuals who pose as applicants for employment for the purpose of collecting evidence of unlawful employment discrimination. They "test" the possibility of securing a job although they have no intention of obtaining employment.

Next: 1993