Impairments that limit “major life activities” and meet the legal definition of “disability” include impairments that cause inability or difficulty in:

Caring for oneself;
Performing manual tasks;
Walking;
Lifting;
Bending;
Seeing;
Hearing;
Speaking;
Breathing;
Sleeping;
Reproduction;
Learning;
Thinking;
Concentrating;
Reading;
Interacting with others;
Communicating;
Working; or
Participating in community activities.1

The ADAAA and California’s disability regulations also include the “operation of a major bodily function” in the definition of major life activities. This includes functions of the immune system, reproductive functions, normal cell growth, special sense organs and skin, and digestive functions.2

California’s FEHA states that the term “major life activities” is to be broadly construed and includes physical, mental, social and employment-related activities.3

1. 42 U.S.C. 12102 (2)

2. 29 CFR 1630.2(h);2 CCR sec. 11065(l)

3. Govt. Code sec. 12926(i)(1)(C)

"Major Life Activities" Defined

Disability Definitions