Current implementation research, including that on disability policy, is largely retrospective and descriptive, examining experiences after implementation is largely complete in order to identify relevant variables that help explain implementation outcomes. This article seeks to use theoretical implementation research in a different way, one that is prospective and prescriptive, that will improve its usefulness for public administrators. It seeks to use this method of analysis to examine the prospects for implementation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Based on theoretical implementation research and on comparisons with the implementation of other pieces of legislation, this article makes predictions about the future implementation of the ADA and develops recommendations to prevent potential problems. It then discusses the need to refocus implementation research to improve its relevance to practitioners.
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