To succeed in an ADA case, what must a plaintiff demonstrate regarding their disability?

In an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) case, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they are qualified for the job but have suffered discrimination due to their disability. The ADA is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment.

To establish a valid claim under the ADA, the individual must prove that they have a disability as defined by the Act, that they are qualified to perform the essential functions of the job (with or without reasonable accommodation), and that they have faced discrimination because of their disability. This means they must show they are capable of fulfilling the job’s requirements and that their exclusion from the job or any adverse action taken against them was directly linked to their disability.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of being both qualified and facing discriminatory practices, which is central to proving an ADA case. Other options, such as the necessity for a visible disability or possession of a doctor's note, do not align with the ADA's protective scope and criteria for discrimination cases.