The Americans with Disability Act

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Based on the definition under the Rehabilitation Act, it reflects the specific types of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities. Accordingly, it is not the same definition of disability present in other laws, such as state workers' compensation laws or other federal or state laws that provide benefits for people with disabilities, including disabled veterans.

Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who:

1. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities

2. Has a record of such an impairment

3. Is regarded as having such an impairment

The ADA covers all persons with disabilities in the United States, whether or not they are citizens, and without regard to racial or ethnic origin. Colleges and universities have the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to students who have disclosed a disability. It ensures students have EQUAL ACCESS in all facets of college life.​