ADA
What does "ADA" mean in law?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires covered employers (those with fifteen or more employees) to provide reasonable accommodations. A 'disability' is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Title I of the ADA governs employment and requires that the individual be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. The 2008 amendments broadened the definition of disability and rejected narrow judicial interpretations, directing that the term be construed in favor of broad coverage.
Definition
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires covered employers (those with fifteen or more employees) to provide reasonable accommodations. A 'disability' is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Title I of the ADA governs employment and requires that the individual be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. The 2008 amendments broadened the definition of disability and rejected narrow judicial interpretations, directing that the term be construed in favor of broad coverage.
Example
A warehouse worker with a back injury that substantially limits lifting may be entitled to reassignment to a lighter-duty position under the ADA if one is available and the reassignment does not impose undue hardship on the employer.