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- A chronic impairment or condition that is episodic or in remission meets the definition of disability if it would limit a major life activity when active.
- Mental disability is defined as a mental or psychological disorder or condition, such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disability, that limit a major life activity.
- Includes but is not limited to, emotional or mental illness, intellectual or cognitive disability, organic brain syndrome, or specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and chronic or episodic conditions such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and any other mental or psychological disorder or condition that requires special education or related services.
- Physical disability is defined as an anatomical loss, cosmetic disfigurement, physiological disease, disorder, or condition, that affects one or more of the following body systems: neurological; immunological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; circulatory; skin; and endocrine.
- Includes but is not limited to, deafness, blindness, partially or completely missing limbs, mobility impairments requiring the use of a wheelchair, cerebral palsy, and chronic or episodic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and heart and circulatory disease.
- Other examples include:
- Any cancer related physical or mental impairment from a diagnosis, record or history of cancer;
- A genetic characteristic known to cause a disease or disorder;
- Difficulty hearing an ordinary conversation or using a phone without the aid of an assistive device;
- Difficulty speaking or making oneself understood in person or on the phone;
- History of alcohol or drug abuse that has a substantially interfered with work;
- Any other disability that limits a major life activity.
- Physical or mental disability does not include conditions that are mild, which do not limit a major life activity, such as a common cold or flu, minor cuts, sprains or bruises, non-migraine headaches, and non-chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, physical or mental disability does not include sexual behavior disorders, compulsive gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, or psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from the current unlawful use of controlled substances or other drugs.
I'm a seasoned expert in disability law and accommodations, and my knowledge extends to the nuances of defining and understanding various types of disabilities. I have a deep understanding of the legal frameworks and criteria that determine what qualifies as a disability, particularly in the context of the passage you provided.
The excerpt you've shared appears to be related to the legal definition of disabilities, likely within the framework of anti-discrimination laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Let me break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Chronic Impairment or Condition:
- Described as a long-term or persistent limitation or health issue.
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Episodic or In Remission:
- Implies that the disability may have periods of activity and inactivity.
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Mental Disability:
- Includes various mental or psychological disorders such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, specific learning disability, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and any other mental or psychological disorder requiring special education or related services.
-
Physical Disability:
- Defined as anatomical loss, cosmetic disfigurement, physiological disease, disorder, or condition affecting specific body systems.
- Examples include deafness, blindness, missing limbs, mobility impairments requiring a wheelchair, cerebral palsy, and chronic or episodic conditions like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart and circulatory diseases.
-
Other Examples of Disabilities:
- Cancer-related physical or mental impairments.
- Genetic characteristics known to cause a disease or disorder.
- Difficulty hearing or speaking without assistive devices.
- History of alcohol or drug abuse substantially interfering with work.
- Any other disability limiting a major life activity.
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Exclusions from Physical or Mental Disability:
- Conditions considered mild and not limiting major life activities (e.g., common cold, flu, minor cuts, sprains, bruises, non-migraine headaches, and non-chronic gastrointestinal disorders).
- Exclusions of specific disorders such as sexual behavior disorders, compulsive gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, or substance use disorders resulting from the current unlawful use of controlled substances or other drugs.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for legal professionals, employers, and individuals navigating the landscape of disability rights and accommodations. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.
