The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that covered entities shall not discriminate against people on the basis of a disability. People who abuse illegal drugs are specifically excluded from protection under the law. Disabilities are defined as physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a person's ability to engage in a major life activity.
What Is a Covered Entity?
A covered entity is a public or private business, service, facility, school, agency, communications industry, or other entity. Generally, businesses with 15 or more employees are required to comply with the employment provisions of the ADA.
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It also applies to the United States Congress.
Who is Protected by the ADA?
The ADA protects people with disabilities or those associated with people with disabilities. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered. In the text of the ADA, people with disabilities are referred to as "qualified individuals with disabilities."
