Expanded Definition of "Disability" under the ADA

The primary purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are to improve the working relationship between employers and those employees who have disabilities and to eliminate discriminatory behavior toward employees with disabilities. The ADA covers the entire employment experience, from the hiring stage to on-the-job expectations and opportunities for promotion, as well as benefits and compensation.

Recent legislative revisions have expanded the scope of the ADA. The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), which became effective in January 2009, significantly expanded the definition of “disability,” resulting in broader coverage. In the first year after the amendments became effective, the number of ADA charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) increased by nearly 17% over the previous year. New EEOC regulations implementing the ADAAA, effective in 2011, augur an increase in disability claims and cases, as well.

In a time of expanding reach and increased enforcement efforts, it's essential that employers and HR personnel receive training on ADA essentials so that they understand the requirements and scope of the ADA. Training relevant personnel can pay significant dividends to companies by decreasing the risk of EEOC claims and ADA-related litigation. 

Categories: Workplace Compliance
Tags: ADA, ADA Training, Americans with Disabilities Act