ADA Amendments Act Enacted

This week was a tumultuous news week due to $700 B financial bailout, but barely mentioned was one of the most momentous pieces of legislation to impact the disabled in recent years. The ADA Amendments Act passed overwhelmingly in the House and by unanimous consent in the Senate. The bill will significantly broaden protections for the disabled. The bill will also provide protection, for the first time, to workers with serious ailments such as diabetes, epilepsy and cancer.

By explicitly arguing for an interpretation that was less constrictive, lawmakers sought to restore the intent of the original Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Supreme Court has consistently imposed a very narrow interpretation of the ADA. President Bush has said that he will sign the bill into law despite previous concerns that the legislation would spur excess litigation.

The legislation is the result of two years of substantial cooperation between business groups and disability rights organizations. Both groups are pleased with the final version of the bill. The direct language of the bill, and the cooperation that forged it, should improve employment levels for the disabled