Disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities in many areas of public life.

Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." An individual may also qualify as disabled if he/she has had an impairment in the past or is seen as disabled based on a personal or group standard or norm.

Such impairments may include physical, sensory, and cognitive or intellectual impairments. Mental disorders (also known as psychiatric or psychosocial disability) and various types of chronic disease may also be considered qualifying disabilities. A disability may occur during a person's lifetime or may be present from birth.

Applying for Social Security Disability can seem overwhelming at times. A good idea is to make a copy for yourself of everything you have in case the original gets misplaced along the way. Keep good records and stay on top of the application process.

To apply for disability benefits for an adult, you will need to complete an application for Social Security Benefits AND an Adult Disability Report.

To apply for disability benefits for a child, you will need to complete an Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) AND a Child Disability Report.