Which of the following is protected under the ADA?

• A. Cosmetic disfigurement
• B. Mild allergy
• C. Temporary injury lasting less than a month
• D. Age over 65

Answer: (A)

Protection under the ADA comes from having a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Cosmetic disfigurement can be covered because, when it significantly affects how a person functions day to day—such as in communication, social interaction, or other tasks—it can be considered a disability and thus eligible for protections and reasonable accommodations.

A mild allergy usually does not rise to the level of a disability because it does not typically substantially limit major life activities. A temporary injury lasting less than a month is also generally not a disability unless it causes a substantial and lasting impairment, which a short-term issue usually does not. Age over 65 isn’t covered by the ADA itself; age protections fall under the Age Discrimination Act, so it isn’t ADA protection.

So the best choice is cosmetic disfigurement, since it aligns with how the ADA addresses disabilities and potential accommodations.