Definition of a Disability

Definition of a disability

Students with a disability, whether apparent or not, may require physical or academic accommodations that will allow equal access guaranteed by law. To meet the legal definition of a disability, a student must have an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The major life activities are defined as:  caring for oneself, seeing, eating, walking, lifting, speaking, learning, concentrating, communicating, performing manual tasks, hearing, sleeping, standing, bending, breathing, reading, thinking and working.

Conditions that are not disabling

If you are a student with a temporary disability (recovering from an injury or surgical procedure) please contact your Academic Dean or Student Health Services (860-439-2275) or the Student Counseling Center (860-439-4587), depending on the type of impairment.