ADA Frequently Asked Questions
Category: Title I: Employment
Question: #29
Are temporary conditions covered under the ADA?
Answer:
It depends. A physical or mental condition that substantially limits a major life activity is considered a disability under the ADA. There is no automatic cut off for the length of time an impairment must last before it can be considered a disability. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated a medical condition does not need to be long-term, permanent, or severe to be substantially limiting. Also, if symptoms come and go, what matters is how limiting the symptoms are when they are active.
For example, if an individual has a back impairment that results in a 20-pound lifting restriction that lasts for several months, they could be substantially limited in the major life activity of lifting even though the impairment and limitation are not permanent.
Resource(s):
EEOC’s Disability Discrimination and Employment Decisions
JAN’s Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
For example, if an individual has a back impairment that results in a 20-pound lifting restriction that lasts for several months, they could be substantially limited in the major life activity of lifting even though the impairment and limitation are not permanent.
Resource(s):
EEOC’s Disability Discrimination and Employment Decisions
JAN’s Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
