Physical Disability
Programs and Information
Defining Physical Disability
Physical disability is defined in section 15.197 (4) (a)
(2) of the Wisconsin statutes as follows:
A physical condition, including an anatomical loss, or
musculoskeletal, neuro- logical, respiratory or cardiovascular
impairment, which results from injury, disease or congenital disorder
and which significantly interferes with or significantly limits at least
one major life activity of a person.
The phrase major life activity is defined in subsection (4) (a) (1)
of the same statute. The definition includes: self-care, performance of
manual tasks unrelated to gainful employment, walking, receptive and
expressive language, breathing, working, participating in educational
programs, mobility other than walking, and capacity for independent
living.
The definitions cited above were established in 1990 as part of the
statute that created the state Council on Physical Disabilities. This
definition may be interpreted to include, but not be limited to persons
with: amputation, cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, lung disease,
multiple sclerosis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, polio, spina bifida,
spinal cord injury & disease.
Last Revised: April 01, 2008
|
