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What is a Disability Under the ADA?

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination based upon disability or perceived disability.  Not every condition that interferes with your ability to work is considered a disability under these laws, however.

In order to qualify for protection under the disability discrimination laws, 
you must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

In order to be "substantially limiting" under the ADA, the impairment must be either permanent or long term. This means that an injury or short term illness will likely not be considered a disability.  If you have a short term condition, you may still qualify for benefits and protection under the Massachusetts Paid Family Leave Act, but may not be entitled to ask for accommodations when you return to work.

In addition to the long term nature of the condition, it must substantially limit a "major life activity." Things that are recognized as major life activities include walking, seeing, reading, bending and communicating. It also includes major bodily functions. These can include the immune system and digestive, bowel, bladder, respiratory, neurological, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.


Learn more here about disability discrimination.

Need Help With a Disability Question?

Contact Us
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Copyright 2022, slnlaw
  • Home
  • About
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • Fees and Payment
    • Privacy Policy
    • Publications and Interviews
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Andrew Silvia
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Employment Law Solutions
    • Employment Law MA
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Estate Planning
    • Massachusetts Wills and Trusts
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Massachusetts Estate Tax
    • Inheritance Tax
    • How to Make an Estate Plan
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs