Final answer:
The definition of disability under the ADA includes physical or mental impairments that limit major life activities, and the ADA mandates reasonable accommodations in employment and public services. Initially, the ADA was interpreted narrowly by courts, but the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 expanded the definition to cover more conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the definition of disability significantly changed in the United States. A disability, as per the ADA, is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as hearing, seeing, walking, or breathing. The Act mandates that employers and public accommodations make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities in employment and access to public spaces and services.
The courts, though, had initially interpreted the ADA's definition of disability narrowly, leaving out certain individuals, like those whose conditions could be mitigated with aids or medication. However, this changed with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which broadened the definition to cover more conditions and make it easier for disabled individuals to receive protections under the law.
The ADA also intertwines with other key civil rights legislations like the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to help provide a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework for individuals with disabilities.