Skip to Main Content

What is a physical or mental impairment?

Printable Version

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 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; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

For more information about disability-related terms, consult Glossary of Disability-Related Terms.