Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA, 2008)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 110–325)

2) Why It Was Done
The ADAAA was enacted to restore the broad protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 after a series of Supreme Court decisions had narrowed the definition of “disability.”

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The original ADA protected individuals with disabilities, but rulings such as Sutton v. United Airlines (1999) and Toyota v. Williams (2002) excluded many with chronic illnesses or controlled conditions. The ADAAA explicitly rejected these rulings.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it restored congressional intent and ensured broader coverage. Critics say it expanded employer liability and compliance costs by broadening who qualifies as disabled.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Employers (must accommodate a wider range of impairments)
• Public entities and private businesses (broader accessibility obligations)
• Individuals with disabilities (gain stronger legal protections)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• Clarified that “disability” should be interpreted broadly
• Mitigating measures (like medication or prosthetics) cannot be used to deny disability status
• Expanded coverage for episodic conditions (e.g., epilepsy, PTSD, depression)

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Remains central in workplace discrimination and accommodation lawsuits
• Continues to shape digital accessibility debates alongside Section 508 and ADA Title III
• Ongoing litigation defines the scope of “reasonable accommodation”

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – ADAAA 2008
• EEOC – ADA Amendments Act
• ADA National Network – ADAAA Overview

• Civil Rights
• Disabilities
• Employment
• Accessibility
• Mental Health