3. What is considered a disability under the ADA? Is medical documentation required?
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<p>The ADA broadly defines a covered disability in three different ways in terms almost identical to current federal law under the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act. Specifically, an individual has a covered disability if the individual either:</p>
<ol>
<li>“has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual”; or</li>
<li>"has a record of such an impairment”; or</li>
<li>“[is] regarded as having such an impairment.”</li>
</ol>
<p>Documentation is required when the need for accommodation or the disability is not obvious or visible. Medical documentation obtained by HR is confidential.</p>
<p>For a full explanation of the ADA process, please visit the <a href="/administrative-manual/500-1999-fiscal-and-business-affairs/1925-definitions-and-guidelines-to-address-the-needs-of-employees-with-disabilities">UAM 1,1925</a>, Section III.</p>
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