The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life—to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services.

To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability, which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered. The ADA is located in the United States Code, beginning at 42 U.S.C. §12101.

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the activities of places of public accommodations (businesses that are generally open to the public and that fall into one of 12 categories listed in the ADA, such as restaurants, movie theaters, schools, day care facilities, recreation facilities, museums, libraries, parks, and doctors' offices). The ADA requires newly-constructed or altered places of public accommodation—as well as commercial facilities (privately owned, nonresidential facilities such as factories, warehouses, or office buildings)—to comply with the ADA Standards. Private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA's title III requirements for public accommodations.

In Virginia, as in all states, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides a framework to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various aspects of public life. The ADA's protections cover employment, access to goods and services, and participation in state and local government programs. To be protected under the ADA, an individual must have a disability characterized by a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities, have a history of such an impairment, or be perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not list all covered impairments, allowing for a broad interpretation that can adapt to various conditions. Public accommodations, which include a wide range of businesses and facilities that are open to the public, must adhere to ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes requirements for accessibility in newly constructed or altered facilities. However, private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from Title III, which addresses public accommodations. Virginia businesses and entities must comply with these federal standards to ensure inclusivity and equal access for all individuals with disabilities.