2010 ADA Definition
Disability: Disability means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.
(1) The phrase physical or mental impairment means – (i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; (ii) Any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities; (iii) The phrase physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such contagious and noncontagious diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism; (iv) The phrase physical or mental impairment does not include homosexuality or bisexuality.
(2) The phrase major life activities means functions such as caring for one´s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
(3) The phrase has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
(4) The phrase is regarded as having an impairment means – (i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by a private entity as constituting such a limitation; (ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or (iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by a private entity as having such an impairment.
(5) The term disability does not include – (i) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or other sexual behavior disorders; (ii) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or (iii) Psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Moen Home Care Glacier 12" Grab Bar
complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
12" bar length
1.5" bar diameter
corrosion resistant
stainless steel construction for added durability
limited...
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Spectrum Aquatics Access Ramp
The Access Ramp provides quick and easy access for disabled and ambulatory swimmers. Unit has wheels allowing for removal for competitive activities within the pool....
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Links > Federal Department or Agency
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
NIDILRR is a federal government grants-making agency that sponsors grantees to generate new disability and rehabilitation knowledge and promote its use and adoption....
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Research and History > Regulations and Standards History > Equality of Opportunity: The Making of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Glossary of Acronyms
ACLU
American Civil Liberties Union
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADAPT
American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit (prior...
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Links > Federal Department or Agency
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability...
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Federal Documents > Regulations > 28 CFR Part 36 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities (2010 ADA Title III Regulations with amendments issued through Dec. 2016)
§ 36.105(d)(1)(ix)
(ix) The six-month “transitory” part of the “transitory and minor” exception in paragraph (f)(2) of this section does not apply to the “actual disability” or “record of” prongs of the definition...
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Federal Documents > Regulations > 28 CFR Part 35 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services (2010 ADA Title II Regulations with amendments issued through Aug. 2016)
§ 35.108(d)(1)(ix)
(ix) The six-month “transitory” part of the “transitory and minor” exception in paragraph (f)(2) of this section does not apply to the “actual disability” or “record of” prongs of the definition...
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State and Local Documents > Codes and Standards > 2025 California Standards
ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT
An ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT can include a room, area, route, feature or device which provides accessibility for persons with disabilities. ◼...
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State and Local Documents > Codes and Standards > 2022 California Standards
ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT
An ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT can include a room, area, route, feature or device which provides accessibility for persons with disabilities. ◼...
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Federal Documents > Technical Assistance > Expanding Your Market: Building a Diverse Customer Base
The ADA’s Benefits to Businesses
It is clearly in the interest of businesses to make their facilities and services accessible to customers with disabilities. According to the U.S....
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Federal Documents > Technical Assistance > Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Title II Highlights (revised in 2008)
V. Integrated Programs
Integration of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of society is fundamental to the purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act....
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Elkay Cane Apron LKAPR1 for use with SwirlFlo® Bi-level Drinking Fountains
Accessory apron designed to bring Elkay SwirlFlo® models into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) when units are mounted on an exposed wall....
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Garaventa Elvoron CPL Vertical Platform Lift
The Elvoron CPL is designed to provide access for people with disabilities in commercial buildings....
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
S.R. Smith aXs Pool Lift
The aXs lift meets the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG 2010) and has a 300 pound lifting capacity....
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Delta Single Handle Lavatory Faucet 592-DST
operation for the life of the faucet
Includes optional 5-3/4 in. escutcheon for 3 hole installations
Includes matching finish drain assembly
Meets standards set by Americans with Disabilities...
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Moen Stainless 30" Grab Bar
complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
30" bar length
1.25" bar diameter
corrosion resistant
stainless steel construction for added durability
limited...
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Moen Home Care Peened 12" Grab Bar
complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
12" bar length
1.5" bar diameter
corrosion resistant
stainless steel construction for added durability
limited...
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Moen Home Care Peened 42" Grab Bar
complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications
42" bar length
1.25" bar diameter
corrosion resistant
stainless steel construction for added durability
limited...
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Federal Documents > Regulations > 28 CFR Part 36 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities (2010 ADA Title III Regulations with amendments issued through Dec. 2016)
§ 36.302(f)(8)(i) Single-event tickets
For the sale of single-event tickets, it is permissible to inquire whether the individual purchasing the tickets for accessible seating has a mobility disability or a disability that requires...
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Federal Documents > Technical Assistance > FCC Consumer Guide: Video Description
For more information
For more information
For more information about FCC programs to promote access for people with disabilities, visit the FCC's Disability Rights Office website at www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia...
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Federal Documents > Regulations > 36 CFR Part 1193 Telecommunications Act (Section 255) Accessibility Guidelines
§1193.23(b)(4)
(4) Making reasonable efforts to validate any unproven access solutions through testing with individuals with disabilities or with appropriate disability-related organizations that have...
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Additional Access Publications > ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments
Separate Programs
A state agency develops an employment training and placement program for people with intellectual disabilities....
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Links > Federal Department or Agency
Unified Agenda for Regulations, regarding disabilities
The Unified Agenda provides uniform reporting of data on regulatory and deregulatory activities under development throughout the Federal Government, covering approximately 60...
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Products and Additional Resources > Products
Inclusion Solutions BallotCall™ Alert System
Plus, parking areas and entryways pose challenges to people with disabilities....