The 'New and Improved' ADA: What Every Employer Needs to Know

The rules have changed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued new regulations that interpret and apply the ADA Amendments Act, widening the definitions, circumstances and even timeframes for disability claims, and stretching the scope of employer responsibilities. Under the new guidelines, the focus shifts to accommodation of workers' impairments, rather than proving disability conditions considered temporary in the past may now qualify as actual or 'perceived' disabilities neutral policies that limit employer leave may now need to be revised and a limitation on "major life activities" may no longer be the deciding factor in determining ADA coverage. With these and other changes, companies that do not learn and comply with the new rules may find themselves facing a sharp increase in employee lawsuits - and EEOC enforcement actions.

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