According to the ADAAA, what must be considered in determining if an impairment is "substantially limiting"?

According to the ADAAA, what must be considered in determining if an impairment is "substantially limiting"?

• A. It must completely restrict a major life activity
• B. Whether the individual is employed
• C. It need not prevent or severely restrict a major life activity
• D. No specific criteria are needed

Answer: (C)

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) expands upon the definition of disability and emphasizes a broader interpretation of what constitutes a "substantially limiting" impairment. In determining whether an impairment significantly restricts a major life activity, it is crucial to note that the threshold for "substantially limiting" does not require that the impairment completely prevents or severely restricts an individual's ability to perform a major life activity. Instead, it is sufficient for the impairment to limit the individual in a way that is more than minor or trivial. This inclusive perspective acknowledges that disabilities can manifest in various forms and intensities, and individuals with varying limitations can still be protected under the ADAAA. By focusing on the individual's experience and the extent of the impairment, rather than a stringent requirement for complete restriction, the ADAAA effectively broadens the scope of who qualifies for protection against discrimination based on disabilities. Thus, understanding that an impairment need not prevent or severely restrict a major life activity aligns with the ADAAA’s intent to provide protections to individuals with a range of disabilities that might otherwise go unrecognized under a more restrictive definition.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) expands upon the definition of disability and emphasizes a broader interpretation of what constitutes a "substantially limiting" impairment. In determining whether an impairment significantly restricts a major life activity, it is crucial to note that the threshold for "substantially limiting" does not require that the impairment completely prevents or severely restricts an individual's ability to perform a major life activity. Instead, it is sufficient for the impairment to limit the individual in a way that is more than minor or trivial.

This inclusive perspective acknowledges that disabilities can manifest in various forms and intensities, and individuals with varying limitations can still be protected under the ADAAA. By focusing on the individual's experience and the extent of the impairment, rather than a stringent requirement for complete restriction, the ADAAA effectively broadens the scope of who qualifies for protection against discrimination based on disabilities.

Thus, understanding that an impairment need not prevent or severely restrict a major life activity aligns with the ADAAA’s intent to provide protections to individuals with a range of disabilities that might otherwise go unrecognized under a more restrictive definition.