Hello. Please sign in!

Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Note: This document was originally published in 2005, so all references to 14 CFR part 382 herein are hyperlinked to the version that was current at the time of publication (14 CFR Part 382 with amendments issued through July 2003). Click here to view additional versions of this regulation and other publications related to air transportation.

  • What is a physical or mental impairment?

    Physical impairments include (1) physiological disorders or conditions; (2) cosmetic disfigurements; or (3) 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.

    Examples of physical impairments include orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, HIV disease, drug addition, and alcoholism.

    Mental impairments include mental or psychological disorders, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. Physical characteristics such as the color of one’s eyes, hair, or skin, baldness, and left-handedness do not constitute physical impairments. Similarly, neither age nor obesity alone constitutes a physical impairment. Disadvantages due to cultural or economic factors are not covered by part 382. Moreover, the definition of “physical or mental impairment” does not include personality traits such as poor judgment or a quick temper, where these are not symptoms of a mental or psychological disorder.

[MORE INFO...]

*You must sign in to view [MORE INFO...]