For Immediate Release
July 26, 2010
NGLCC Commemorates 20th Anniversary Signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act
(Washington, DC) Today, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) commemorated the 20th anniversary signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law July 26, 1990, the ADA provides persons with disabilities protections against discrimination in employment, public accommodation, transportation, communications and government activities.
"The LGBT and disability communities have mutual respect and support for one another, and the Americans with Disabilities Act is an example of how legislation can really help segments of the population that experience unfair discrimination," said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the NGLCC.
Depending on size, revenue and other factors, businesses that make accommodations for employees with disabilities are eligible for tax credits. The Small Business Tax Credit offers businesses with revenue of $1 million or less or 30 employees or fewer a tax credit of up to $5,000 annually to help pay for the cost of providing accommodations including sign language interpreters, readers, materials in alternative formats for employees with visual impairments, adaptive equipment or modification existing equipment, or removal of architectural barriers for easier mobility in the workplace.
"Nearly 50 million Americans have a disability, of which as many as 3 million are LGBT," said Chance Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of the NGLCC. The total number of people with disabilities who are employed is 18.6 million. Just 60 percent of men with disabilities and 51.4 percent of women with disabilities are employed. Title I of the act has leveled the playing field for people with disabilities when it comes to employment, prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals in the job application process, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation and training.
The NGLCC, a collaborative partner in the Campaign for Disability Employment, encourages employers and others to view an important public service announcement on the importance and value of hiring persons with disabilities at www.nglcc.org/programs/CDE. To learn more about the CDE, visit www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.
About NGLCC:
The NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between LGBT business owners, corporations and government. The NGLCC represents the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT-owned businesses in the United States and is the umbrella organization for 61 state, local and international LGBT chambers of commerce and business organizations.
NGLCC's New Logo
NGLCC's new logo represents our three main communities--corporate partners, affiliate leaders, and certified suppliers--and how they work together to find opportunities.
2012 Small Business Priorities
On January 25, NGLCC President Justin Nelson conducted a 30-minute Q&A conference call with Chairman Fred Hochberg from the Export-Import Bank about ongoing Obama administration priorities for small business owners.
