Significant Restriction
What constitutes a "significant restriction"? Again, there are no hard-and-fast rules. In general, however, you should look at whether, and if so how much, the impairment restricts:
- the conditions under which the person can perform the activity
- the manner (way) in which s/he can perform the activity
- the duration (length of time) for which s/he can perform the activity
For example, certain learning disabilities or psychiatric disorders may significantly affect the conditions under which a person can perform the major life activity of concentrating, by causing her to be easily distracted by noise or interruptions, and to need a quiet atmosphere in order to perform tasks that other people who do not have the same disability may be able to accomplish easily in a chaotic setting.
A psychiatric disorder such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or learning disability may significantly affect the length of time during which a person is able to concentrate on a task.
Mental retardation may significantly affect the way in which a person learns: a person with mental retardation may need to be specifically taught what other people can infer or "figure out" on their own.
These are only a few examples of the ways in which an impairment may substantially limit the conditions under which, the way in which, or the duration for which a person is capable of performing a major life activity.
