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The ADA defines disability in three alternative ways: an individual may have a qualifying impairment, a record of one, or be treated adversely because of an actual or perceived impairment under the statute’s conditions. The definition is interpreted broadly, but it does not decide every individual case automatically.
What is the definition of disability under the ADA?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), “disability” means, with respect to an individual: (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment under the statute’s conditions. These are separate routes to coverage, not requirements that a person must meet all at once. 42 U.S.C. § 12102
The statute directs that the definition be “construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals.” The relevant question is not simply whether someone has a particular diagnosis; it is whether the facts fit one of the statutory prongs. 42 U.S.C. § 12102
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat are the ADA’s three definition prongs?
1. An impairment that substantially limits a major life activity
This is the “actual disability” prong. A physical or mental impairment must substantially limit at least one major life activity. The statute does not require limitations in multiple activities.
2. A record of an impairment
A person may meet the definition if they have a record of an impairment that substantially limited a major life activity. This prong concerns the record of the qualifying impairment, even if the person is not currently experiencing the same limitation.
3. Being regarded as having an impairment
This prong applies when a person is subjected to a prohibited action because of an actual or perceived impairment. The impairment does not need to limit—or be perceived as limiting—a major life activity. However, this prong does not cover an impairment that is both transitory and minor. “Transitory” means an actual or expected duration of six months or less. That six-month threshold belongs to this exclusion; it is not a general minimum duration for disability under the ADA. 42 U.S.C. § 12102
What counts as a major life activity under the ADA?
The statute gives a non-exhaustive list of activities, including caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. It also includes the operation of major bodily functions.
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How does the ADA assess whether an impairment substantially limits an activity?
The statute calls for broad coverage. An impairment need substantially limit only one major life activity, and an episodic impairment or one in remission may qualify if it would substantially limit an activity when active. In general, the assessment does not count the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures, although ordinary eyeglasses and contact lenses are treated differently. 42 U.S.C. § 12102
For Title III, the Department of Justice’s regulation says that “substantially limits” is not meant to be a demanding standard. It describes an individualized assessment and says the threshold inquiry should not require extensive analysis. The regulation is specific to Title III; the legal context matters when applying ADA requirements in a particular setting. 28 C.F.R. § 36.105
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does a diagnosis automatically qualify someone under the ADA?
No diagnosis by itself settles every case. The DOJ explains that many conditions may qualify, but not every condition necessarily meets the substantially-limits standard. The analysis depends on the impairment, which statutory prong applies, and the individual circumstances. DOJ introduction to the ADA
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The ADA is a federal civil-rights law, not a benefits program that requires a person to apply for coverage. Whether someone meets the definition in a specific situation is distinct from what rights or requirements apply in that setting. DOJ introduction to the ADA
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