The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that was passed in 1990 and specifically outlaws discriminating against a person on the grounds of disability. The law affects all public spheres such as housing, public accommodations, government services, transportation and employment. In the real estate industry, the law protects people from disabilities and ensures that lending is available. In addition, there are a number of federal programs that are designed to assist first time homebuyers. These programs are guaranteed to everyone, and the ADA ensures that disabled people have the same rights to purchase property as people who do not have a disability. For example, the ADA makes it illegal for a lender to refuse financing to a borrower simply because the person is confined to a wheel chair or cannot walk. If the lender does discriminate on the grounds of a disability, its actions are illegal.
