From the Northwest ADA Center – Idaho
QUESTION:
What is the definition of disability under the ADA?
ANSWER:
The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
It is important to remember that in the context of the ADA, “disability” is a legal term rather than a medical one.
Because it has a legal definition, the ADA’s definition of disability is different from how disability is defined under some other laws, such as for Social Security Disability related benefits. It is not a medical or social justice-related definition.
The ADA definition includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. This could be someone who had cancer, but is currently in remission.
It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. This could include someone with extensive scarring, but otherwise does not have a disability.
The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability. Such as a person who cares for a family member who has a disability.
For additional information contact Dana Gover, MPA, ADAC, Training & Technical Assistance Consultation
Northwest ADA Center-Idaho Email: dananwadacenteridaho@gmail.com ADA TA Hotline: voice and text
208-841-9422