Definitions

As used in this article, the term: (1) “Disabled person” means a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities. As used in this paragraph, the term “physical or mental impairment” means any of the following: (A) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss substantially affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; or endocrine; and 555 10-1-851 (B) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as developmental disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term “physical or mental impairment” includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, developmental disability, and emotional illness. (2) “Elder person” means a person who is 60 years of age or older. (3) “Major life activities” includes functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. (4) “Substantially limits” means interferes with or affects over an extended period of time. Minor temporary ailments or injuries shall not be considered physical or mental impairments which substantially limit a person’s major life activities. Examples of minor temporary ailments are colds, influenza, or sprains or minor injuries. History. Code 1981, § 10-1-850, enacted by Ga. L. 1993, p. 1092, § 2; Ga. L. 2015, p. 385, § 4-18/HB 252; Ga. L. 2015, p. 1088, § 10/SB 148; Ga. L. 2024, p. 1052, § 2(31)/SB 448, effective July 1, 2024. Amendments. The 2024 amendment, effective July 1, 2024, part of an Act to revise, modern- ize, and correct the Code, inserted “the term” following “paragraph,” in the introductory language of paragraph (1). Editor’s notes. Ga. L. 2015, p. 385, § 1-1/HB 252, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘J. Calvin Hill, Jr., Act.”