Legal Definitions - disabled person

In a legal context, a disabled person refers to an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition is crucial in laws designed to prevent discrimination and ensure equal opportunities, such as those requiring reasonable accommodations in employment or public access.

Here are some examples illustrating the legal concept of a disabled person:

• Example 1: Employment Accommodation

  Maria works as a graphic designer. She develops a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis that significantly impairs her ability to use her hands for typing and mouse manipulation, which are essential functions of her job. Despite medication, her condition makes it difficult to perform these tasks for extended periods. Under the law, Maria would be considered a disabled person because her physical impairment (rheumatoid arthritis) substantially limits a major life activity (performing manual tasks and working). This legal classification might entitle her to reasonable accommodations from her employer, such as specialized ergonomic equipment or voice-activated software, to help her continue performing her job duties.

• Example 2: Public Access and Services

  David has a severe visual impairment, legally classified as blindness, which prevents him from navigating public spaces independently without assistance. He wishes to attend a concert at a local venue. Because his visual impairment substantially limits a major life activity (seeing and navigating), David is considered a disabled person. This legal status means the concert venue, as a place of public accommodation, must ensure it provides reasonable access and services for him, such as allowing a service animal or providing accessible seating arrangements, to prevent discrimination based on his disability.

• Example 3: Educational Setting

  Sarah is a college student diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition, severe anxiety disorder, which causes panic attacks and makes it extremely difficult for her to attend classes, take exams in crowded rooms, or complete assignments on time due to overwhelming stress. Her condition substantially limits her ability to learn and concentrate, which are major life activities. Therefore, Sarah is considered a disabled person in this context. This legal classification allows her to request reasonable accommodations from her university, such as extended deadlines, a quiet testing environment, or access to lecture notes, to ensure she has an equal opportunity to succeed in her studies.