JD has a medical history of fibromyalgia, which she has disclosed to her employer

Question

She is independent in all of her activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), including her work tasks; however, she has requested to take rest breaks at specific times during the day (these do not interfere with her ability to complete her work assignments). She is an exemplary employee, but her employer has consistently passed her over for promotions and does not offer her the more challenging assignments. Which definition of a person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) best describes JD?
A. Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life ac-tivities
B. Someone who has a record of having an impairment that limits at least one life activity
C. Someone with a "perceived" disability
D. She would not be considered to have a disability.

Answer 1

ANS: C
JD would be considered a "qualified individual with a disability" under the ADA based on the third definition, which states, "Someone is regarded as having a limiting impairment based on myths, misperceptions, fears, and stereotypes." Her fibromyalgia does not limit any life activities, including work tasks; however, her employer assumes that she would have difficulty handling the stress of more challenging assignments.