CRS Issue Statement on ADA and Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities

Nancy Lee Jones, Coordinator
Legislative Attorney

Kenneth R. Thomas
Legislative Attorney

Dennis M. Roth
Specialist in Labor Economics

Carol J. Toland
Legislative Attorney

Scott Szymendera
Analyst in Disability Policy

Ann Lordeman
Specialist in Social Policy

Vastine D. Platte
Information Research Specialist


The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the major civil rights statute prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities, has been the subject of congressional interest since its enactment in 1990. On September 25, 2008, P.L. 110-325, the ADA Amendments Act was enacted to reject narrow Supreme Court interpretations of the definition of disability. Proposed regulations implementing this new law have been published and there will most likely be congressional oversight regarding the final regulations. The ADA Amendments Act contains a conforming amendment for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and implementation of this change, especially with regard to education, may also be the subject of congressional oversight. 

Congress maintains a continuing interest in other ADA oversight issues, especially in the areas of emergency response and preparedness and influenza pandemics, including the current H1N1 influenza pandemic. In addition, Congress has also been concerned about the issue of vexatious lawsuits under the ADA, and legislation (H.R. 2397) has been introduced in the 111th Congress


Date of Report: January 12, 2010
Number of Pages: 2
Order Number: IS40252
Price: $7.95

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