Major Life Activities
There is no exhaustive list of major life activities; the activities affected by physical or mental impairments differ from person to person. However, within the last few years, the Supreme Court has clarified that a "major life activity" must be "of central importance to daily life."
DOL's Section 504 regulations and other Federal disability nondiscrimination regulations provide some examples of major life activities. These examples include such functions as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, and learning. Other activities not listed in the regulations may also be considered "major life activities."
The regulations also include "working" as an example of a "major life activity." However, the Supreme Court has questioned whether "working" should be listed in this category. Until the Court issues a definitive ruling on the issue, it is best to look at other "major life activities" to determine whether a particular person has a disability.
In various cases, courts and Federal agencies have also recognized other functions that are not listed in the regulations, such as concentrating, interacting with others, sleeping, and reproducing, as major life activities.
