Americans With Disabilities Act
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employment discrimination by public and private employers against qualified individuals in any personnel transactions, including hiring, because of mental or physical disability.
The Act not only protects individuals who have a disability in matters of employment, but also in public services, public accommodations and telecommunications.
In order to be protected under the ADA, an individual's impairment must meet the ADA's definition of a disability.
The ADA defines an individual with a disability as a person who:
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Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
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Has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.