New York, NY, September 25, 2008 …  The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed a new law that will restore robust protection against workplace discrimination for millions of disabled Americans.  Signed into law today by President George W. Bush, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is designed to restore broad workplace protections for persons with disabilities  -- as originally intended by Congress in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

"All Americans deserve an opportunity to earn their livelihood free from discrimination on the basis of any personal characteristics, including physical or mental disabilities," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "This new law will go a long way toward restoring fairness and equal rights for persons with disabilities in the workplace."

Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, courts have unduly narrowed the definition of disability and the protections provided by the law.  The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 closes gaps in workplace protection, providing strong redress for discrimination against persons with disabilities.

The legislation passed by overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.