Who qualifies as an individual under the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This means that individuals with various forms of impairments—whether they are visible or invisible—are covered under this definition.

This inclusivity is essential for protecting the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities as those without disabilities. The term "individual" is broad and encompasses not just those with diagnosed conditions but also those who may experience significant limitations due to physical or mental impairments, even if those impairments are not formally diagnosed.

In contrast, other options narrow the definition in ways that do not align with the ADA. For instance, stating that someone qualifies as an individual only if they are without impairments fails to acknowledge the purpose of the ADA, which is to support and protect individuals who confront significant challenges in their daily lives due to their disabilities. Similarly, claiming only those with diagnosed conditions fall under the ADA excludes many who may not have an official diagnosis but still face substantial limitations. The emphasis of the ADA is on the effect of impairments on major life activities rather than the diagnosis itself.