by Josh Benton

While there is still much discrimination against those with disabilities, there also are ways to work on the problem.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is the main contributor to getting rid of such problems. It already has helped people with physical and mental disabilities in the areas of building accessibility and fairness in hiring practices.

Associations and societies for particular ailments, such as the Tourette Syndrome Association, also are helping the cause. It provides support groups for families of those afflicted with syndromes and diseases. The association also helped bring before the U.S. Senate the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (pdf), which will help those with Tourette and similar diseases from being discriminated against in the workplace. The Senate passed the act unanimously, and it currently is in the House of Representatives.

Recreationally, associations also are including events to suit those with disabilities. The NBA and the WNBA sponsor a league of wheelchair basketball. The Little League Association also sponsors a Challenger League. Challenger baseball is played on a specially designed field so that children with disabilities are also able to play baseball.