ADA Amendments Act

Definition

The ADA Amendments Act is legislation that was enacted in 2008 to broaden the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act was established to counteract Supreme Court decisions that had narrowed the interpretation of what constitutes a disability, ensuring more individuals with disabilities are protected under the law and promoting their equal access to employment and public services.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ADA Amendments Act redefined key terms in the ADA to ensure that more people would qualify as having a disability.
2. This act emphasizes that individuals should not be discriminated against based on disabilities that are episodic or in remission.
3. The ADA Amendments Act expanded the list of major life activities to include not just traditional activities like walking or seeing but also broader categories like sleeping, reading, and interacting with others.
4. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities under both the original ADA and its amendments.
5. The act reflects a shift in societal attitudes toward disability, promoting inclusion and recognition of diverse experiences among people with disabilities.

Review Questions

• How did the ADA Amendments Act change the way disabilities are defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
  • The ADA Amendments Act changed the definition of disabilities by broadening what is considered a disability. It emphasized that an individual could qualify as disabled even if their impairment is episodic or in remission. This shift was aimed at countering earlier Supreme Court rulings that restricted who could be classified as having a disability, thus expanding protections for a wider range of individuals.
• Discuss the implications of the ADA Amendments Act on employers regarding reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
  • The ADA Amendments Act has significant implications for employers concerning their responsibilities towards employees with disabilities. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals under both the original ADA and its amendments. This means that workplaces need to actively consider modifications that would enable employees with various disabilities to perform their job functions effectively, ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
• Evaluate the impact of the ADA Amendments Act on societal views towards individuals with disabilities and their access to public services and employment opportunities.
  • The impact of the ADA Amendments Act on societal views has been substantial, promoting a more inclusive understanding of disability. By broadening definitions and reinforcing anti-discrimination protections, the act encourages recognition of diverse experiences among people with disabilities. This shift in perspective not only enhances access to public services and employment opportunities for individuals but also fosters a culture of acceptance and support within communities, challenging stigmas associated with disabilities.

Related terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.

Disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities, which can be recognized as a qualifying factor for protection under the ADA and its amendments.

Substantial Limitations: Refers to the degree of restriction in performing major life activities as defined by the ADA; under the amendments, the focus shifted from how severe an impairment is to how it affects the individual.