Camille Olson Quoted in Federal EEO Advisor

“Senate Panel Joins House in Looking to Restore ADA”

Camille Olson was quoted in the December 1, 2007 issue of Federal EEO Advisor in the article, “Senate Panel Joins House in Looking to Restore ADA.”

The article reports on the November 15 hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee concerning S. 1881, the ADA Restoration Act sponsored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA).

Camille testified that S. 1881 “goes far beyond” clarifying the original intent of the ADA because it broadens the definition of disability and prohibits the consideration of mitigating measures. As it is currently drafted, Camille points out that S. 1881 would cover people who show that they have a mental or physical impairment, rather than showing that they are “substantially limited” by it. Camille notes that the “effect of defining disability as impairment” could lead to discrimination claims concerning conditions related to the common cold, poison ivy, or a toothache.