What are the types of disabilities recognized by the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law passed by Congress in 1990 to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace and in public places. In Minnesota, the ADA’s protections apply to a broad range of disabilities, including mental and physical impairments that limit an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities. The ADA recognizes several main types of disabilities, including physical, sensory, mental, and cognitive disabilities. Physical disabilities include those that limit mobility, such as using a wheelchair or cane, or have difficulty using their hands and arms to perform tasks. Sensory disabilities cover vision or hearing impairments. Mental disabilities include conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intellectual disorders, and schizophrenia. Lastly, cognitive disabilities involve any sort of cognitive or intellectual difficulty, including dyslexia or autism. In addition to these four main types of disabilities, the ADA also protects those with chronic illnesses and conditions such as epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, asthma, cancer, and heart conditions. It also recognizes “invisible” disabilities, such as diabetes or chronic pain, as well as genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. Furthermore, the ADA protects those who have a history of having a disability or were mistakenly classified as having a disability. The overall purpose of the ADA is to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive equal access to opportunity, free from discrimination. The ADA continues to be one of the most important civil rights laws in Minnesota, and it should be followed by all employers, schools, and other public venues.

What are the types of disabilities recognized by the ADA?

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