NDRN Lauds New Regulations that Strengthen Protections for People with Disabilities

For Immediate Release
03/24/2011

Contact:
David Card
202.408.9514 x122
press@ndrn.org

WASHINGTON – The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) praised new regulations issued by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) that clarify and confirm the broad definition of disability Congress mandated in the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).  

“The new regulations will make it easier to determine if a violation of the ADA has occurred,” said NDRN executive director Curt Decker.  “The burden is no longer on the individual to prove they have a disability but instead the focus will be on whether or not discrimination under the ADA took place.”

The new regulations implement the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) which overturned several Supreme Court rulings that Congress felt too narrowly defined disability.  The rulings denied protections to people Congress had intended to be included in the original ADA.

The regulations continue the bipartisan agreement reached when Congress passed the ADAAA and reflect feedback from workers, the business community, disability rights advocates and other stakeholders.   

“NDRN commends the EEOC for considering the needs of people with disabilities and their employers when revising these regulations,” said Decker.  “The final regulations will further our efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are protected from discrimination and prejudice and enjoy full inclusion in their communities.