Both California and federal law broadly construe the definition of disability. You can’t discriminate against an applicant or employee based on either an actual or perceived disability.

Specific Examples

Examples of physical or mental impairments include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Contagious and noncontagious diseases and conditions, such as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments;
  • Cerebral palsy;
  • Epilepsy;
  • Muscular dystrophy;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Cancer;
  • Heart disease;
  • Diabetes;
  • Mental disabilities;
  • Emotional illness;
  • HIV;
  • Tuberculosis; and
  • Specific learning disabilities.