Which act defines disability as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is indeed the act that defines disability as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition is crucial because it establishes a legal standard for determining who is considered disabled and, therefore, who is entitled to protections and services under the law. The ADA aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities in various areas, such as employment, public accommodations, and transportation.

The significance of this definition lies in its broad scope, capturing a wide range of conditions that can affect an individual's daily functioning. It emphasizes the impact of the impairment on life activities, which can include basic functions such as walking, seeing, hearing, or learning, thereby providing a clear framework for assessing eligibility for reasonable accommodations and protections against discrimination.

Other acts, such as the Education for Handicapped Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, focus on providing services and educational opportunities but do not specifically define disability in the same manner as the ADA. Thus, the ADA is a key piece of legislation that both articulates this definition clearly and seeks to address the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, making it the correct response.