Which statement best describes past records of physical or mental impairment under the ADA?

• A. A temporary illness lasting a week
• B. A cosmetic scar
• C. Past records of physical or mental impairment from which they have partially or fully recovered
• D. A personality trait

Answer: (C)

Past records of impairment are protected under the ADA because the law covers people who have had a disability in the past, not only those who are currently disabled. This means that even if the condition has partially or fully recovered, a history of that impairment can still qualify a person for protection against discrimination. The statement describing past records of physical or mental impairment from which they have recovered aligns with that protection, illustrating how a history of impairment remains relevant even after recovery.

The other options don’t fit that protection: a temporary illness lasting a week is typically not considered a disability; a cosmetic scar generally isn’t a disability unless it causes a functional limitation; and a personality trait isn’t classified as a disability under the ADA.