Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The Americans with Disabilities Act ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. 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. But not every condition will meet this standard. An example of a condition that is not substantially limiting is a mild allergy to pollen. There are many major life activities in addition to the examples listed here.
Some examples include:. 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:. To prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, the ADA sets out requirements that apply to many of the situations you encounter in everyday life.
Employers, state and local governments, businesses that are open to the public, commercial facilities, transportation providers, and telecommunication companies all have to follow the requirements of the ADA.
