Which best describes the ADA's definition of disability?

Which best describes the ADA's definition of disability?

• A. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment
• B. A physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
• C. A record of such impairment but not regarded as disabled
• D. Only temporary or minor conditions are protected

Answer: (A)

The core idea is that disability under the ADA includes three pathways: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities cover things like seeing, hearing, walking, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and taking care of oneself, along with major bodily functions. The standard of “substantially limits” means the restriction is significant compared to most people in the general population, not a minor or temporary limitation. The law also protects people whose condition is episodic or in remission if it would be substantially limiting when active, and it protects individuals who are regarded as having a disability, even if they don’t currently have a disabling impairment. This explanation aligns with why the best answer includes all three avenues the ADA recognizes and the broad understanding of what counts as a disability. It also clarifies common misunderstandings: disability isn’t limited to a currently active, permanent impairment, and protections exist for past impairments and for those who are regarded as having a disability; temporary or minor conditions don’t automatically qualify unless they would substantially limit a major life activity when active.

The core idea is that disability under the ADA includes three pathways: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities cover things like seeing, hearing, walking, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and taking care of oneself, along with major bodily functions. The standard of “substantially limits” means the restriction is significant compared to most people in the general population, not a minor or temporary limitation. The law also protects people whose condition is episodic or in remission if it would be substantially limiting when active, and it protects individuals who are regarded as having a disability, even if they don’t currently have a disabling impairment.

This explanation aligns with why the best answer includes all three avenues the ADA recognizes and the broad understanding of what counts as a disability. It also clarifies common misunderstandings: disability isn’t limited to a currently active, permanent impairment, and protections exist for past impairments and for those who are regarded as having a disability; temporary or minor conditions don’t automatically qualify unless they would substantially limit a major life activity when active.