What law requires all public areas to be made accessible to people with disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a critical piece of legislation that aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access and opportunity in various aspects of public life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and services. The law mandates that all public areas, such as buildings, parks, and transportation systems, be modified as necessary to be accessible to those with disabilities. This inclusivity allows individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments to participate fully in society, promoting independence and integration.

The other pieces of legislation mentioned serve different purposes: IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) primarily focuses on educational rights for children with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is a provision under IDEA, ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary educational services at no cost to their families. WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) is aimed at enhancing workforce development for individuals, including those with disabilities, but it does not specifically address public accessibility in the same way that the ADA does.