How does the ADA define "disability"?

The definition of "disability" according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focuses specifically on conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities. This definition is significant because it emphasizes the impact of the condition on an individual's ability to perform essential functions in daily life, rather than the mere presence of any physical or mental condition.

By specifying “substantially limits,” the ADA establishes that not all conditions qualify as disabilities; the condition must significantly hinder an individual's performance in key areas such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and other fundamental activities. This highlights the ADA's intent to protect individuals who face real challenges in their daily lives due to their conditions, ensuring they have access to accommodations and protections in various settings, such as employment and public services.

The other options either broaden the definition too much or narrow it incorrectly. For example, suggesting that only permanent conditions qualify overlooks temporary disabilities that can also substantially limit life activities. Meanwhile, defining disability solely based on job loss or any physical or mental condition fails to capture the specific criteria established by the ADA, which centers on the substantial limitations affecting major life activities.