What is the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008?

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 is a civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace and in other public areas. The Act expands the definition of disability and strengthens the rights of those with disabilities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADAAA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or charging of being regarded as having an impairment. It also states that the impairment must limit a person from participating in activities that are of central importance to their daily life. The Act emphasizes that disability should not be determined by a medical diagnosis, but rather, by the impact the disability has on an individual’s life. The ADAAA also prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in hiring, firing, or other terms and conditions of employment. In Pennsylvania, the state law and the federal law work together to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workforce and in education. In addition, the city of Philadelphia passed the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance which offers additional protection to disabled individuals.

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