Which group is not granted protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The group that is not granted protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is current drug addicts. This is because the ADA specifically excludes individuals who are currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs from its definition of disability. In other words, while the ADA protects individuals who are recovering from substance abuse, such as recovering alcoholics and former drug addicts, those who are currently using illegal drugs do not qualify for protection under this legislation.

Individuals with temporary disabilities, such as those recovering from an injury or surgery, may also be considered for protections under the ADA if their condition substantially limits a major life activity. The focus of the ADA is on providing protections to those with a history of disabilities or those who have been rehabilitated, instead of those still actively engaging in harmful behaviors associated with substance abuse. Therefore, understanding the distinction in protections under the ADA is crucial for correctly identifying which individuals do and do not receive those protections.