Category: History of Disabilities Legislation

The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act continues support for the programs established under the Combating Autism Act of 2006.

The Affordable Care Act prohibits pre-existing conditions exclusions and discrimination based on disability &health status; eliminates annual and lifetime caps; and expanded Medicaid eligibility.

Rosa’s Law changed the term “mental retardation” to “intellectual disabilities” throughout federal law. It did not make the change in Medicaid law.

The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act improved HUD’s Section 811 program, supporting more integrated models of housing for people with disabilities.

The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act improves access to the internet, smart phones, TV programming and other technologies for people who are deaf, blind or have low vision.

The Mathew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act added disability as a protected class under the Hate Crimes Act.

The ADA Amendments Act redefined “major life activities” to make it easier for people with disabilities to qualify for protections against employment discrimination under the ADA.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 includes provisions that improve access to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.

The Lifespan Respite Care Act promotes a coordinated system of respite care at the state and federal levels and authorized grants to increase the availability of respite care for family caregivers of individuals with disabilities, regardless of age.

The Combating Autism Act increased funding for the CDC and NIH for screening, education and other programs for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.