Senator Roberts Supports Bill to Increase Opportunities and Access for Persons with Disabilities

Press Release

Senator Roberts Supports Bill to Increase Opportunities and Access for Persons with Disabilities

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the Senate passage of S. 3406, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act.

The original Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law eighteen years ago to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in nearly all spheres of public life. In order to qualify for protection, an individual must meet the ADA's definition of disabled. Under this definition, an individual is disabled if (1) they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities; (2) they have a history or record of such an impairment; or (3) they are regarded by others as having such an impairment.

In Sutton v. United Airlines, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the effect of mitigating measures, in that case corrective eyewear, must be considered when determining whether the individual's impairment "substantially limits" one or more major life activities. This ruling has severely restricted the number of individuals protected by the ADA.

The ADA Amendments Act expands the definition of disabled, redressing the Supreme Court's ruling in Sutton. "I have heard from many Kansans on this issue, which is why I was so pleased to be able to cosponsor this legislation," Senator Roberts said.

The bill reflects a compromise between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, education groups and the disability community. "I am proud that these groups worked together with the Senate and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to increase opportunities and access for persons with disabilities."

The bill now awaits approval by the House of Representatives.

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