Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What must an impairment do to be considered a disability under the ADA?

1. Completely prevent a person from any activity

2. Substantially limit one or more major life activities

3. Be recognized by medical professionals as a severe condition

4. Require hospitalization for treatment

The correct answer is: Substantially limit one or more major life activities

To be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activities. This definition emphasizes the impact of the impairment on an individual's ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. The emphasis on "substantial limitation" highlights that the degree of limitation is significant but does not have to completely hinder an individual’s ability to perform these activities. The ADA recognizes a wide range of conditions as disabilities, accommodating those whose impairments may fluctuate or who can manage their conditions with aids or treatment. By focusing on the substantial limitation rather than complete prevention of activity, the ADA aims to protect the rights of individuals with various levels of impairment, ensuring that they have equal opportunities in society. Medical recognition and conditions requiring hospitalization, while they may indicate severity, are not the sole criteria for determining whether an impairment constitutes a disability under the ADA. The law prioritizes the effect of the impairment on daily life rather than precise medical standards or the necessity of extensive treatment.