Is it legal to ask one about a disability or a handicap?

In general, it is not legal to ask someone about their disability or handicap in most employment and public accommodation contexts, as this can violate laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. Employers can inquire about an applicant’s ability to perform job-related functions but cannot ask directly about disabilities. However, in certain situations, such as when accommodations are needed or in specific healthcare contexts, asking about disabilities may be permissible. Always consider the context and applicable laws when discussing disabilities.