Disability-Related Inquiry

A disability-related inquiry is a question or series of questions that result in information about a disability.  Questions to avoid include-—

• Asking if the person has or ever had a disability.
• Asking a person how he/she became disabled and the severity of the disability.
• Asking a person to provide medical documentation about a disability.
• Asking co-workers, family members or friends about an employee's disability.
• Asking about genetic information.
• Asking about worker's compensation claims.
• Asking about drugs and medications currently being taken or taken in the past.
• Asking broad questions about impairments that result in information about a disability.

Any question that does not elicit information about a disability is not prohibited under the ADA.  Questions such as—

• Asking an employee if he/she can perform the job functions.
• Asking for contacts/phone numbers in case of a medical emergency.