What do the 2008 Amendments to the ADA mean?

The purpose of the 2008 ADA Amendments is to restore the intent of the original ADA passed in 1980. The 2008 Amendments were signed into law by President Bush on September 25, 2008.

If you are interested in reading all of the 2008 ADA Amendments, you can go to this link for a summary or this link for the actual bill.

Here are some highlights:

The definition of disability is expanded: Under the 2008 Amendments to the ADA, more people will be considered to have a disability. The definition of disability must be defined more widely and cover a broad range of individuals and disabilities.

A disability only has to effect one major life activity to be considered a disability under the ADA. It is still a disability even if it doesn't effect other major life activities.

Definition of major life activities added: The 2008 Amendments added a partial list of major life activities. These include: caring for oneself; performing manual tasks; seeing; hearing; eating; sleeping; walking; standing; lifting; bending; speaking; breathing; learning; reading; concentrating; thinking; communicating; and working.

Disabilities that are episodic are included: A disability is considered a disability whether it is active or not as long as it substantially limits a major life activity when active.

A disability is considered a disability even if there are medications or medical equipment that can make the effect of the disability lessen or disappear.