Characteristics That Are Not Impairments Under ADA

While quite broad, the term ''physical or mental impairment'' is not all-encompassing. The term cannot ''be divorced from its dictionary and common sense connotation of a diminution in quality, value, excellence or strength.''15 Moreover, the EEOC's Interpretive Guidance to its regulations and the legislative history of the ADA make clear that simple physical characteristics, such as blond hair or blue eyes, do not rise to the level of a physical impairment.16 As long as the following physical characteristics are within the ''normal'' range and are not the result of a physiological disorder, they would not be classified as impairments: - Eye color; - Hair color; - Left-handedness; - Weight; and - Muscular tone.17