Ada Definition Of Disability

It is important to remember that in the context of the ada disability is a legal term rather than a medical one.

Ada definition of disability. Like an hourglass after 18 years and many many lawsuits and case studies the definition slowly became narrowed. Ada aa definition of a disability the americans with disabilities act ada defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities this is a legal definition rather than a medical definition. Introduction to the ada. Detailed in 45 cfr 1181 103 4 the americans with disabilities act ada defines disability specifically a handicapped person as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities a person who has a history or record of such an impairment or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.

Because it has a legal definition the ada s definition of disability is different from how disability is defined under some other laws such as for social security disability related benefits. The ada definition of disability does not apply to disability related services such as social security. A physical impairment is a physiological condition cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss that affects one or more of the following body systems. The americans with disabilities act ada was signed into law on july 26 1990 by president george h w.

The definition of a person with a disability was expanded with the passage of the ada amendments act adaaa. How is disability defined. Accordingly it is not the same as the definition of disability in other laws such as state workers compensation laws or other. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.