Sep 25, 2008
Finally some good news! Following on the heels of the Senate's passage last week of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, President Bush this morning signed the act into law. In a written statement issued prior to the signing the President said:
“The Americans with Disabilities Act is instrumental in allowing individuals with disabilities to fully participate in our economy and society, and the administration supports efforts to enhance its protections. The administration believes that the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a step in the right direction, and is encouraged by the improvements made to it during the legislative process.”
This legislation takes effect January 1, 2009 and clarifies that the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Prohibits the consideration of measures that reduce or mitigate the impact of impairment—such as medication, prosthetics and assistive technology—in determining whether an individual has a disability.
Covers workers whose employers discriminate against them based on a perception that the worker is impaired, regardless of whether the worker has a disability.
Provides broad coverage to protect anyone who faces discrimination on the basis of a disability
