House passes amendments to Disabilities Act The House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 3195, ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The intention of this legislation is to restore the broad nature of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to protect anyone who faces discrimination on the basis of disability. Among other issues:

• It clarifies the definition of disability, inerience discrimination based on a perception of disability, regardless of whether the individual actually experienced a disability.
• It defines a “major life activity” and includes many activities which courts have previously concluded don’t qualify for ADA protection.

The legislation now goes to the Senate where it is likely to be revised. If signed into law, it will override several U.S. Supreme Court decisions that excluded individuals from coverage under the ADA. Under the House bill, coverage would be effective Jan. 1, 2009.

	J. J. Keller’s Americans With Disabilities Compliance Manual explains ADA guidelines relating to hiring, training, and compensation … and gives valuable advice for creating a safe working environment, responding to emergency situations, and more.