Private firms cannot have mandatory retirement until age 70. Professors may work until age 70. EEOC regulations require old age pensions to be equal for men and women, even though women live five years longer. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which amends the Civil Rights Act Title VII, provides that an employer must offer health coverage and must base required leave on individual physical condition, not a blanket requirement. This includes rehabilitated alcoholics and drug users, but not those currently using illegal drugs.
Examples are to build ramps and elevators, to offer training and to supply readers and interpreters.
The firm cannot refuse to hire an applicant because it would increase health insurance costs. The employer cannot require a physical examination until after hiring. The US EEOC drafted regulations to implement the law. The ADA also has other provisions not related to personnel covering public accessibility to offices, retail businesses, sports arenas, busses and trains. Prior to 1990 the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 1974 gave some of these protections.