While both the texts on the previous page were created by a branch of the United States government to help disabled Americans live more comfortable and productive lives, they also differ in significant ways. Taking a closer look at those differences can help you understand how certain types of informational text create and document cultural change.
A law like the Americans with Disabilities Act is a very special kind of informational text. Once approved by the government, its words have the force of the nation behind them. Documents such as these are often seen as the finish line for advocates of cultural change, the final step in enshrining new rights and making their protection "the law of the land." As you read a larger section of the ADA, consider how the purpose of this document affects its language and structure.
How is this document organized, and why?
The law is organized into sections, with each main idea supported by an outlined numbered list. Ordering and labeling a document in this way helps legislators, lawyers, and judges find and cite specific parts of the law they need to argue a case or make a point.
Here's a different text that deals with similar information; it was written 25 years after the ADA was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. This new text was created by the Obama Administration during Barack Obama's time in the White House, and was posted to give Americans an overview of the President's policy toward disabled people. As you read this text, consider how the structure and language differs from the text of the Americans with Disability Act.
What were the most obvious differences between the two documents? Use this activity to challenge yourself--see if you can spot the important differences between the ADA and the White House web page.
What is the purpose of the informational article about Obama's policies on Americans with disabilities?
The White House wants to show that it cares about this issue and has a specific plan for expanding the rights of Americans with disabilities.
The White House wants to show that it cares about this issue and has a specific plan for expanding the rights of Americans with disabilities.
The White House wants to show that it cares about this issue and has a specific plan for expanding the rights of Americans with disabilities.
Why would the ADA include a section on its "findings"?
Including a section on "findings" is a structural choice that outlines a problem that the Act intends to solve.
Including a section on "findings" is a structural choice that outlines a problem that the Act intends to solve.
Including a section on "findings" is a structural choice that outlines a problem that the Act intends to solve.
Which document caused the most cultural change in America?
The ADA changed the laws of a nation, directly affecting millions of lives. The policy page is more about outlining goals for the future.
The ADA changed the laws of a nation, directly affecting millions of lives. The policy page is more about outlining goals for the future.
The ADA changed the laws of a nation, directly affecting millions of lives. The policy page is more about outlining goals for the future.
Why is the language of the ADA so formal and precise?
Every word of an act like the ADA will be studied and debated in case of a lawsuit. Legislators have to be careful and specific with their word choice to keep their intentions clear.
Every word of an act like the ADA will be studied and debated in case of a lawsuit. Legislators have to be careful and specific with their word choice to keep their intentions clear.
Every word of an act like the ADA will be studied and debated in case of a lawsuit. Legislators have to be careful and specific with their word choice to keep their intentions clear.
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