{"id":355623,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/civilrights\/discrimination\/disability-discrimination-basics.html"},"modified":"2023-09-12T21:30:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T02:30:06","slug":"disability-discrimination-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/disability-discrimination-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Disability Discrimination Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Disability Discrimination Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Disability discrimination<\/a> occurs when a person with a disability faces different or unequal treatment based on their disability. Discrimination arises in many situations.<\/p>\r\n

What amounts to a disability may vary depending on applicable laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a> (ADA) is a significant federal law.<\/p>\r\n

A person is "disabled" under the ADA if they have a physical or mental impairment limiting a "major life activity." Major life activities include walking, talking, seeing, and learning. The ADA also protects people who are not disabled but are perceived as disabled.<\/p>\r\n

Where and When Can Disability Discrimination Occur?<\/h2>\r\n

Disability discrimination can take place in many different settings. It occurs most often in the following:<\/p>\r\n