Dear Roz,

Who is protected from employment discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against "qualified individuals with disabilities". This includes applicants for employment and employees. An individual is considered to have a "disability" if that individual has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Also, persons discriminated against because they have a known association or relationship with an individual with a disability are protected.

The first part of the definition makes it clear that the ADA applies to persons who have impairments and that these impairments must substantially limit major life activities, such as seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for one's self, and working. For example, an individual with blindness, deafness, paralysis or a developmental disability are covered, but an individual with a minor, nonchronic condition that is short in duration, such as broken limb, a sprain or any temporary illness generally would not be covered.

To learn more about Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can participate in an employment clinic sponsored by Protection and Advocacy System. Spend fifteen minutes of individual time with an Advocate or a Lawyer discussing your issues and learning your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The first clinic will be held on Thursday February 22, 2001 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Space is limited so call 256-3100 or 1-800-432-4682 to reserve your space.