2.2 Definition

A disability is any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities for an individual.1  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also defines disability as a person who has a history or record of such impairment or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.2  The ADA’s broad definition of disability allows a broad application of its protections. A major life activity is a function that is important to most people’s daily lives, such as breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, eating, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, and working.3

  • 142 U.S.C § 12102(1).
  • 2Id.
  • 342 U.S.C § 12102(2).

Disclaimer: The articles in the Gillis Long Desk Manual do not contain any legal advice.