Under the ADA, a person is considered disabled if they have which of the following?

Under the ADA, a person is considered disabled if they have which of the following?

• A. A physical impairment that substantially limits major life activities
• B. A record of such impairment
• C. Regarded as having such impairment
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Disability under the ADA can arise in three ways, so protection applies even if you don’t fit a single narrow checkbox. First, there can be an actual physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Second, there can be a record of such an impairment, meaning a history of a condition that substantially limited major life activities. Third, a person can be protected if others regard them as having such an impairment, even if they don’t currently have one or it isn’t actually limiting. Because all three pathways are included, the correct understanding is that anyone who fits any of these criteria is considered disabled under the ADA. For example, someone with a chronic condition that currently limits functioning qualifies; someone with a past impairment that was substantial in the past but may no longer be active still qualifies; and someone who is perceived by others as disabled, even if they don’t have a disabling condition, is protected.

Disability under the ADA can arise in three ways, so protection applies even if you don’t fit a single narrow checkbox. First, there can be an actual physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Second, there can be a record of such an impairment, meaning a history of a condition that substantially limited major life activities. Third, a person can be protected if others regard them as having such an impairment, even if they don’t currently have one or it isn’t actually limiting. Because all three pathways are included, the correct understanding is that anyone who fits any of these criteria is considered disabled under the ADA. For example, someone with a chronic condition that currently limits functioning qualifies; someone with a past impairment that was substantial in the past but may no longer be active still qualifies; and someone who is perceived by others as disabled, even if they don’t have a disabling condition, is protected.