§12102 Definition of Disability

Summary

Defines who counts as having a disability for this law. A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental problem that seriously limits one or more major life activities, if they have a record of such a problem, or if others treat them as if they have such a problem. Major life activities include things like caring for yourself, seeing, hearing, walking, sleeping, eating, learning, thinking, communicating, and working. The term also covers major body functions, for example the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, brain and neurological, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. Being "regarded as" disabled means you were subjected to a forbidden action because of an actual or perceived impairment, even if it does not limit a major life activity. Short-term and minor problems do not count if they last 6 months or less. The definition must be read broadly and the phrase "substantially limits" follows the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. A problem that affects one major activity is enough. Conditions that come and go, or are in remission, count if they would limit activities when active. When deciding if an impairment substantially limits an activity, ignore the helpful effects of treatments or aids (like medicines, devices, reasonable accommodations, or learned adaptations), except ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses are considered; ordinary eyeglasses or contacts fully correct vision, while low-vision devices magnify or enhance sight.