Mitigating Measures
ADAAA says mitigating measures can no longer be used as a factor in determining if someone’s impairment qualifies under ADA. This is a significant change from ADA prior to ADAAA. Mitigating devices can be things such as: medication, medical supplies and equipment, prosthetics, hearing aids and other hearing devices such as cochlear implants, mobility devices, oxygen, and vision devices (except ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses). Additionally, mitigating measures could also mean assistive technology, behavioral and neurological modifications, psychotherapy, therapy etc. For example, an individual who has insulin dependent diabetes and takes an insulin regulator will still be covered under ADA, and the employer may not use the mitigating measure (prescription) to determine limitations.