What defines a disability under U.S. law?

A disability under U.S. law is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. This definition is rooted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its amendments, which aim to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various settings, including the workplace. Major life activities can include tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working, among others.

The key aspect of the correct answer lies in the idea of a significant limitation. This distinguishes disabilities from minor restrictions or temporary conditions, both of which do not meet the criteria for protection under the ADA. For instance, minor restrictions in daily activities do not rise to the level of a disability, and temporary health conditions may not qualify as disabilities since they do not result in long-term limitations. Moreover, medical records accessibility is unrelated to the definition of disability itself; it pertains more to privacy rights and rights to access medical information rather than defining what constitutes a disability. Understanding this definition is crucial for ensuring compliance with employment laws that protect individuals with disabilities.