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Abstract
[Gary Phelan] and Janet Bond Arterton, who works with Phelan at Garrison and Arterton, have written a book on the law that is geared toward disability-rights advocates, lawyers and employers. Among contributors from across the country are lawyers from two other Connecticut law firms and a rehabilitation consultant at Aetna Life & Casualty Co.
When he looked at a breakdown of the nearly 1,500 initial complaints, Phelan said he found it interesting that there was a high number associated with people who had mental illnesses. The most common impairments in the initial complaints were back problems and mental retardation, with mental illness following right behind.
People with disabilities, their advocates, employers and lawyers will be keeping a close watch on how these initial complaints are resolved. Their outcomes will help clarify the law, what changes it will bring to the American workplace, and what opportunities it will open up for people with all sorts of disabilities.