News
Senate passes amended Disabilities Act to restore protections; Health Council calls vote "resounding victory for all with chronic conditions"
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate passed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 on a voice vote Thursday, restoring Congress’ original intent to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
The bill will overturn Supreme Court decisions that have reduced protections for certain people with disabilities – including people with diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, mental disabilities, and cancer – who were originally intended to be covered by the ADA.
Myrl Weinberg, president of the National Health Council, called the vote “a resounding victory for all patients with chronic conditions and disabilities,” and called the bill “an important bipartisan step towards ensuring an American future free of workplace discrimination.”
The ADA prohibits discrimination against Americans with physical and mental disabilities in such areas as employment, public accommodations, and transportation.
The House passed the bill earlier with overwhelming support and President Bush is expected to sign it into law.
Weinberg thanked “our members for their support of this legislation, and their continued support of the advocacy work of the National Health Council.”
The Alpha-1 Foundation is a member of the National Health Council and advocated for the legislation.
