They claim that the reason it is impossible is because there is no definition that gives a clear description of what classifies as disabled. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health does not believe that a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) should be classified as disabled. However, several other groups, such as the APA (American Psychiatric Association), believe that ADHD in not a disability. The Fair Housing Act also protects disabled people from being discriminated. The act prevents communities or residencies from illegally preventing community based housing program for recovering alcohol and substance abusers.
Interest groups also shape policy toward the disabled in America. Among these groups is the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union, NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), and the NMHA (National Mental Health Association). The ACLU has been around for many years, fighting for civil liberties in the workplace, at school, and in an individual's home. This past decade, they have become aware of the mentally ill. Thus, they have become increasingly involved in activities for the mentally ill. They are currently fighting for the belated Sen. Wellstone's mental parity act. The act has not been passed, but has been up on the floor to be debated. They also want several other acts to be established in the current system, such as the FOA (Family Opportunity Act) and the expansion of the ADA, due to the current trend of the Supreme Court ruling against it on several different occasions. Another well-known fighter for disabled Americans is NAMI. According to them, they are the nation's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by serious mental illness. They have fought long and hard for the expansion of the ADA to include all mental disorders, such as alcoholism. They are known best for supporting The Children's Mental Health Act of 2000.
