ADA “Substantially Limits”

Employers are required to consider as disabled anyone with a condition that “substantially limits,” but does not “significantly restrict,” a major life activity. Even though the limitation might be reduced or eliminated with medication or other alleviation, the treatment may not be considered when determining the limitations. So, people who use shoe inserts to correct a back problem or who take prescription sleeping pills may now be classified as disabled. The same might be said of people who are allergic to peanuts or bee stings. Yet there may be no need for any of them to request a job accommodation.

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan is an organizational leadership professional with experience spanning employment law, human resources, and public service. He is currently an LL.M. degree candidate at UC Berkeley School of Law and previously served on Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, advancing equity-focused community initiatives. He holds an Employment Law specialization from Temple University School of Law and is SHRM-certified.

Sharam is also a writer whose work explores the intersection of law and philosophy, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom. He comments on organizational dynamics and social issues, and supports Bay Area community organizations through philanthropy and volunteer service.

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