Next year brings changes for people with disabilities.

On September 25, President Bush signed The

ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which will take effect in January of next year.  Much of this amendment has to do with discrimination against not only those with obvious disabilities, but also those whose disability may not be easily seen.  It provides broad coverage to protect anyone who faces discrimination based on his or her disability.  From what I gather, this amendment will protect many people who before now could be discriminated against without consequence, such as someone with Dyslexia, ADD and ADHD, and the list has expanded.

Here is what the president said in a written statement given just before he signed the Act:

“The Americans with Disabilities Act is instrumental in allowing individuals with disabilities to fully participate in our economy and society, and the administration supports efforts to enhance its protections. The administration believes that the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a step in the right direction, and is encouraged by the improvements made to it during the legislative process.” So what constitutes a legal disability?  If the definition is broadened, wouldn’t it be possible for everyone to have a disability?  I think some people may abuse this law that is meant to protect people.  I could see some people claiming employee discrimination, when really they just don’t want to work hard.  But overall, I think that this is a positive step to help those who have a legidament disability and up to now, have been discriminated against.  There may have to be other details added in future, but to so many, this amendment will improve their standing in the work place and in society.