To be covered under the ADA, you must have a "disability." To have a "disability" for purposes of the ADA, you don't have to be confined to bed and unable to move. The ADA defines disability much more broadly so that it covers just about anyone with a life changing condition, or a history of having a life changing condition. The 2008 amendment to the Act even goes so far as to say "The definition of disablity in this Act shall be construed (interpreted) in favor of broad coverage of individuals under this Act, to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this Act."

To be "disabled" for purposes of the ADA, you must:

• Have a physical or mental impairment, that substantially limits one or more major life activities OR
• Be regarded by others as having a disability. This is generally referred to as the "perception" that you have a disability. The perception can come from a belief about your current situation or from a history of having an impairment. "Perception" is one of the main reasons that some health conditions are regarded as a disability even if they are not disabling.

For a discussion of each of these areas, see the other sections of this document.