Overview
This segment introduces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), explaining its purpose, the definition of disability, and the breadth of its protections in society.
Purpose and Scope of the ADA
- The ADA is a law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
- It ensures access and equal participation in employment, private businesses, government, public accommodations, and services.
Definition of Disability under the ADA
- A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities.
- The definition includes those with a record of such impairment (e.g., someone who had cancer but is in remission).
- It also covers individuals perceived as having an impairment, even if they are not actually impaired (e.g., people with visible scars).
Major Life Activities
- Major life activities include daily actions such as caring for oneself, seeing, hearing, eating, walking, speaking, learning, communicating, and working.
- They also encompass major bodily functions, involving organ systems.
Additional Important Points
- The ADA’s definition is intentionally broad to cover diverse disabilities.
- Disabilities can be visible (e.g., using a walker or wheelchair) or invisible (e.g., asthma, depression, diabetes).
- The ADA still protects individuals even if they use medication or equipment to mitigate their condition.
- Not all disabilities are apparent, but unseen conditions can still limit daily activities.