ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Nursing-Home Care

Rights of People with Disabilities

Who do these laws protect?

These laws protect people with mental or physical impairments that limit their ability to perform one or more major life activities. These activities include walking, seeing, hearing, taking care of personal or health needs, or doing everyday chores. The laws also protect people who are perceived to have a disability, or whose family members or friends are disabled.

They do not protect people who threaten the safety or health of others, or whose behavior would result in substantial damage to the property of others. Nor do they protect current users of illegal drugs.