What did the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 do?

• A. Narrowed the definition of disability
• B. Broadened the definition of disability
• C. Created new disability categories
• D. Increased penalties for noncompliance

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 changed who is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act by expanding the definition of disability. The Act rejected the narrower readings from earlier court cases and requires a broad, inclusive interpretation. It makes it easier for people with impairments to qualify for protections by focusing on the impairment’s impact on major life activities, rather than whether someone would be substantially limited in a specific, narrow way. It also includes episodic or in remission conditions as disabilities when active, and it broadens what counts as major life activities and bodily functions. It does not introduce new disability categories or increase penalties; its purpose is to widen protection so more individuals are covered.