Definition of a Disability under the ADA
An “individual with a disability” is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a “major life activity.”
Seeing
Hearing
Walking
Breathing
Performing manual tasks
Caring for one’s self
Learning
Speaking
Working
Examples of Physical or Mental Impairments
- Orthopedic impairments
- Visual impairments
- Speech impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Cerebral palsy Epilepsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Mental retardation
- Emotional illness
- Specific learning disabilities
- HIV disease
- Tuberculosis
- Drug addiction
- Alcoholism
How the ADA Determines a Disability
One: Does the individual have an impairment?
Two: Does the impairment limit any major life activities?
Three: Is the limitation on any major life activity substantial?