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The legislation is now being sent to the president for his signature andadvocates anticipate that he'll sign it prior to the end of the month.
"Easter Seals congratulates our Congressional leaders who helped pass theADA Amendments Act of 2008. A bill passed with broad-based bipartisan support,it's intended to restore protections under the ADA, prohibiting discriminationagainst people with disabilities and providing millions of Americans thechance to participate fully in American life," said James E. Williams, Jr.,president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals, welcoming news of thefinal vote.
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The ADA Amendments Act of 2008
When President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990 into law, the legislation was intended to create a level playingfield so people with disabilities can be judged by what they can do, ratherthan being limited by another person's perception of what they cannot do.
The ADA Amendments Act restores significant rights and protections topeople with disabilities under the ADA. It addresses a number of the issuesthat have been of concern to Easter Seals and the disability community sinceSupreme Court decisions of the late 1990s narrowed the focus of who can beconsidered "a person with a disability" under the current ADA, effectivelyshutting out a variety of people with disabilities, including those withepilepsy, diabetes, cancer and other conditions from the ADA's protection.This important legislation will give qualified individuals with disabilitiesthe tools they need to fight discrimination in the workplace.
"Nearly 20 years ago, Congress made a major contribution to the lives ofpeople with disabilities by enacting the landmark ADA, helping to fulfillEaster Seals mission to ensure that people living with autism and otherdisabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play," addedWilliams. "And now, we urge the president to take quick action by signing thislegislation into law."
Easter Seals has been active within the Consortium for Citizens withDisabilities, the lead disability coalition for ADA restoration legislation,and the ADA Alliance, the new coalition formed by business and disabilityinterests to pass this bill.
About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services forindividuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities andother special needs. For nearly 90 years, we have been offering help and hopeto children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who lovethem. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Sealscreates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live,learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities athttp://www.easterseals.com.
SOURCE Easter Seals
