Affiliations: The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania | Memphis State University, Memphis, Tennessee
Abstract: A content analysis of business literature pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was conducted. Using two CD ROM data bases, journal articles dating from November 1989 through October 1993 were accessed. The breadth of the search allowed for a look at the evolution of opinions and ideas presented in business journals from a speculative period before the law was enacted through a period in which compliance was the central issue. Articles were content analyzed to ascertain the following: (1) general information such as date, title, and author; (2) context of the ADA topic; (3) titles of the ADA discussed in the article (e. g., telecommunication, employment); (4) type of content (e. g., knowledge, application, or opinion); and (5) target audience of the journal. Results of the study indicated that business journals did address the ADA primarily as a main theme with regard to employment. Further, the majority of articles were knowledge based and targeted a variety of audiences. Virtually no articles were found that centered specifically on the ADA and individuals with mental retardation. Results of the study are discussed in reference to the implications for individuals with mental retardation and other disabilities.
Keywords: Mental retardation, ADA, Business communication, Legislation
