Disability Research

The ADA Protects People with Disabilities

A person with a disability is someone who:

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
• has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or
• is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn).

If a person falls into any of these categories, the ADA protects them. Because the ADA is a law, and not a benefit program, you do not need to apply for coverage.

Examples of Disabilities

There is a wide variety of disabilities, and the ADA regulations do not list all of them. Some disabilities are visible and some are not. Some examples of disabilities include:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• HIV
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Deafness or hearing loss
• Blindness or low vision
• Epilepsy
• Mobility disabilities such as those requiring the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane
• Intellectual disabilities
• Major depressive disorder
• Traumatic brain injury

The ADA covers many other disabilities not listed here.

American Disabilities Act

This video discuses disability awareness information regarding physical education and activity for individuals with a physical disability. NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability) is the nation’s premier center in promoting the health and wellness of people with disability. To view more resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations, connect with us: https://www.nchpadconnect.org/