Final answer:
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with a disability that substantially limits major life activities, which could include obesity, severe disfigurement, and substance abuse history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. It provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations in various areas, including employment. According to the expanded definition, the ADA covers individuals who are obese, severely disfigured, and those who have a history of substance abuse if it substantially limits their major life activities. It also protects individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Therefore, options A, B, and C are persons who could be protected under the ADA, while being left-handed or nearsighted would not typically qualify unless these conditions significantly impact major life activities.