US House Votes for ADA Restoration

6 July 2008
The Washington Post (WASHINGTON, DC) — The US House voted to expand protections for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Business and disability rights advocates engaged in a “remarkably cooperative effort” to broaden the definition of disability and redefine the “substantial limits” concept. The Senate is expected to pass the changes, and President Bush is likely to sign
Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/05/AR2008070501356.html

7 July 2008
The Michigan Daily (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) —ADA Restoration legislation rejects court rulings that narrowed definitions of disability and changes limiting language. University of Michigan officials say changes should have little impact on services to students with disabilities. However, it is too soon to tell what impact the changes will have on University employees.
Source: http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2008/07/07/National/Americans.With.Disabilities.Act.Bill.To.Widen.Scope.Of.Laws-3388379.shtml
Related:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/March/08_crt_186.html

5 July 2008
Spero Forum— The House of Representatives passed the ADA restoration Act last week. The new bill may place undue burden on businesses, disrupt business activities and lead to legislative abuses. By “defining disability down”, resources and support for people with “genuine disability” may be lessened.
Source:
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idarticle=15634

COMMENT: Public figures and pundits are expressing many of the same concerns expressed with the initial passing of the ADA in 1990. Yet, few to none of the dire consequences predicted for businesses and the economy came to pass. Only time and litigation will tell if the ADA Restoration Act is a boon or bane for the public and for the most critical stakeholders— people with disabilities.

RESOURCES:
http://www.ada.gov/
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h3195/show