Who is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection to individuals with disabilities, which includes those who are receiving treatment for alcoholism. This is significant because the ADA recognizes that individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders are protected under the law, provided they meet certain criteria. This includes participating in a rehabilitation program, as those individuals are viewed as having a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

This protection under the ADA encourages rehabilitation and social reintegration rather than discrimination against those striving for recovery. While individuals who are currently abusing substances or are involved in illegal drug activities do not qualify for protection, those undergoing treatment are expressly covered.

The other options do not align with the ADA’s stipulations. Individuals aged 55 or older do not specifically fall under the protections of the ADA, as age is not considered a disability. Similarly, those convicted of selling drugs are not protected under the ADA, as the law focuses on disabilities rather than criminal history. Financial hardship due to health costs does not qualify as a disability under the ADA, as it does not pertain to a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts daily activities.