Long term problems, even though they may seem similar or though they may not be observable, may be covered, however. You are probably protected by the ADA if you have arthritis, whiplash injury, HIV, severe allergies, depression, heart problems, PTSD, dyslexia or other long-term problems that interfere with common life tasks. There are two separate responses to this. First, most on the job accommodation is free or very inexpensive. Government and private studies alike show that most on the job accommodations involve reassigning non-essential tasks in a work group, permitting a certain level of flex time, purchasing a footrest or a new mouse, adjusting the relative heights of a chair or a desk.
Creativity goes a long way in accommodation.
Second, we need to look at the cost of poor quality, then think about how much society has denied itself by not supplying accommodations to people who need them. Ramps and automatic doors in apartment buildings, offices, libraries and other areas of public access are most appreciated by movers, delivery people and people with their arms full. When drinking fountains get lowered for use from a wheelchair, little kids can get a drink, by themselves, without slipping and chipping their teeth. They can now use public phones, too, for the same reason. Curb cuts were supposed to be for wheelchairs, but bikes, wagons, rollerblades, strollers, two-wheeled grocery and luggage carts are wearing them smooth.