How did the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 impact the interpretation of disability?

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 significantly broadened the definition of disability to enhance protections for individuals with disabilities. One of the primary aims of this legislation was to counteract restrictive interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that had emerged through various court rulings. By clarifying and expanding the definition, the Act ensured that more individuals would be recognized as having disabilities and, therefore, would be entitled to protections and accommodations under the law.

The amendments emphasized that the definition of a disability should be interpreted in favor of broad coverage, focusing on the functional limitations individuals may experience rather than strictly on specific diagnoses or conditions. This shift was important because it increased access to necessary supports and services for a wider range of people, encouraging full participation in society without the barriers that had previously existed due to narrow interpretations of disability.