EEOC Definition of Disability

The starting point for analyzing the definition of ''disability'' is the phrase ''physical or mental impairment.'' The EEOC's ADA regulations provide that a ''physical or mental impairment'' is Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: - Neurological; - Musculoskeletal; - Special sense organs; - Respiratory, including speech organs; - Cardiovascular; - Reproduction; - Digestive; - Genito-urinary; - Hemic and lymphatic; - Skin; and - Endocrine; or Any mental or psychological disorder. 1 Examples of specific disabling mental or psychological disorders identified in the EEOC's regulations include the following: - Mental retardation; - Organic brain syndromes; - Emotional or mental illness;2 and - Specific learning disabilities.3