The term “major life activity” is often used in the legal realm when discussing the rights of individuals with disabilities. But what does this phrase mean exactly, and why is it so important? This article will provide a detailed overview of major life activities so that business professionals can better understand the legal implications of this important concept.
Defining Major Life Activity
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major life activity is defined as “an activity a person engages in on a regular basis, including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, caring for oneself, learning, working, performing manual tasks, sleeping, and using various forms of transportation.”
Essentially, major life activities refer to activities that people engage in on a daily basis. Many of these activities are vital for independent living and it is important that people with disabilities are not discriminated against or prevented from engaging in these activities.
Legal Implications of Major Life Activities
The legal implications of major life activities are significant. The ADA prohibits any type of discrimination against individuals with disabilities based on their inability to perform major life activities. This means that employers must provide reasonable accommodations to make it possible for individuals with disabilities to participate in the workplace. Businesses must also make sure that their offices and worksites are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and that certain technology or tools are available to enable individuals with disabilities to participate.
In addition, any type of oppressive action related to a person’s ability to perform major life activities is considered discrimination and is therefore prohibited under the ADA. For example, it is illegal for an employer to deny someone a job due to a disability or make decisions about an employee based on their disability.
Conclusion: Why Major Life Activity Matters
Major life activities are important to understand as they are key components of the ADA and other disability laws. It is essential for business professionals to understand that disabling individuals from participating in major life activities is prohibited and can lead to repercussions for businesses. Businesses must ensure that they are taking necessary steps to make their worksites and offices accessible to individuals with disabilities and that they are providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the workplace.