In a message dated 7/11/02 7:00:26 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

>like substance abuse, and other addictions to get a free
>ride on the ADA. Worse yet employers can hire these people instead people
>with real disabilities and still say that they are being compliant..

    There are many misconceptions about the ADA and this is one of them. The
ADA states that the person must be FREE of substance abuse in order to be
covered. Anyone caught misusing alcohol or drugs IS NOT PROTECTED UNDER THE
ADA. You would be quite surprised at the number of people who have
"legitimate" disabilities who also have substance abuse problems. Spinal cord
injury and traumatic brain injury, for instance, have incidences of serious
substance abuse problems 50 to 75%! I am a recovering alcoholic and my
alcoholism is a more serious potential disability than my cerebral palsy.

Pardon my rant. I got carried away.

Bobby