The ADA and ‘Disability’

Posted in: Know Your RightsTagged in: Access and Accommodation, accessibilityPosted on November 21, 2020June 30, 2026

How Does the ADA Define Disability?

To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability. A person with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered. (ada.gov)

Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Related Information From Disability Rights Center-NH

Developmental Disabilities

Adults and children with a developmental disability may be entitled to receive a variety of services. We are committed to ensuring access to appropriate services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Mental Health

We work to increase empowerment and choice for individuals with mental health issues and to improve the adequacy of adult and children’s mental health services in schools and in the community.

Brain Injury

We provide information, advice, and legal representation to individuals who have been discriminated against due to their disability.

Posted in: Know Your RightsTagged in: ADAPosted on July 23, 2025June 30, 2026

Test Your Knowledge of the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Learn all about this fundamental civil rights law.

About DRCNH

Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with disabilities across New Hampshire. DRC is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for New Hampshire and has authority under federal law to conduct investigations in cases of probable abuse or neglect.

News Updates

Posted in: StatementsTagged in: Abuse and Neglect, Institution, Investigation, SYSCPosted on July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

DRC-NH Letter To Gov Ayotte and Comm Weaver with Concerns about Unsafe Conditions at SYSC (Sununu Youth Services Center)

Posted in: Education, Policy & Advocacy, StatementsTagged in: Education, Special EducationPosted on June 26, 2026June 26, 2026

DRC-NH Joins Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations in Denouncing ED’s Latest Transfers of Core Functions

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