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Abstract
A survey by Buck Consultants to gauge the effect of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the workplace shows that employers anticipate little change in current operations. A total of 10% of respondents believe the ADA will help business, 18% believe it will hurt business, and 47% believe it will have no effect. The survey made specific inquiry into the preparedness of companies in implementing the ADA in the workplace. It was noted that most companies have made strong efforts in the areas of communication and training, particularly for management employees who also supervise disabled employees. The best way to prepare to comply with the ADA is to adhere to an ADA checklist, according to Towers Perrin. The model checklist should include hiring and job classification information, employee selection criteria, medical questions, compensation policies, training activities, and general communications approaches. An exclusion or limit that is targeted specifically at disabled individuals by referencing their protected status elicits the potential for charges of discrimination.