Final answer:
The protected class of disability includes individuals with physical or mental impairments that limit one or more major life activities, as dictated by the ADA of 1990. This law safeguards against discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodations in public spaces and education. The protected class of disability is defined as anyone who has: A. a physical or mental impairment that affects the performance of one or more major life activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protected class of disability is defined as anyone who has: A. a physical or mental impairment that affects the performance of one or more major life activities. This definition stems from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which was enacted to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, speaking, breathing, or performing manual tasks.
Disabilities can also include chronic conditions like auto-immune disorders and mental health conditions that necessitate tailored learning environments or accommodations in educational settings. As such, being inclusive and making reasonable accommodations is crucial for supporting the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The goal is to provide equal access to opportunities and to prohibit exclusion based on a disability.