What change was made to the definition of disabilities in the ADA Amendments Act of 2009?

The correct answer highlights that the ADA Amendments Act of 2009 significantly broadened the scope of what constitutes a disability. Prior to this amendment, the definition of a disability was more restrictive and focused heavily on certain physical impairments. The amendments aimed to ensure that a wider range of conditions, including various mental health conditions, are recognized as disabilities under the law.

This was a crucial change, as it affirmed the intention of the Americans with Disabilities Act to protect individuals who face challenges resulting from both physical and mental conditions, allowing them greater access to protection and reasonable accommodations in the workplace and other areas of public life. The intent was to provide more inclusive measures for individuals experiencing various forms of disabilities and to prevent the undue burden of proving that an impairment substantially limits a major life activity.

This extensive redefinition underscores a commitment to broader inclusion, reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of disability in society.