A physical impairment is a physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the body systems. A mental impairment is any mental or psychological disorder.
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- Glossary: Impaired Related Work Expenses [IRWE]Impairment Related Work Expenses. Out of pocket costs for items that are necessary for an individual receiving, Supplemental Security Income( SSI) to continue working; these costs can be deducted from an individual’s earned income when calculating the benefit amount.
- Glossary: DisabilityA physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.
- Glossary: Individual with a DisabilityA person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual or a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.
- Glossary: Mitigating MeasuresA measure utilized (such as medication or glasses) that eliminates or reduces the symptoms of an impairment so it is no longer substantially limiting.
- Glossary: WorkingAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plaintiffs can argue that they have substantial limitations in one or more major life activities. The major life activity of "working" is considered to be the major life activity of "last resort." Plaintiffs who argue that they have an impairment that affects their ability to work must show that their impairment limits their ability to work in a "broad range" of jobs, rather than in just one job or class of jobs. Courts usually require plaintiffs to submit detailed evidence (usually from a vocational rehabilitation agency) of their ability to do certain types of jobs that are available in the community. Plaintiffs who argue a limitation in "working" usually are not able to prove that they meet the ADA definition of disability.