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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ruling that the law doesn't require employees to accommodate ailments or injuries that don't impair a "major life activity."

Overturning a lower court decision, the Justices said the meaning of disabled under the 1990 law must fit into certain categories such as walking, doing household chores, bathing or brushing teeth. Ccourts who consider lawsuits filed under the act must use this test to determine who is and who isn't disabled, wrote Justice Sandra Day O'Connor for the majority.

The case was brought by a woman who worked for Toyota. She developed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which affects repetitive wrist and hand movements, and was limited in the tasks she could perform for her job.

Whether the CTS of the worker hampers tasks "central to daily life" should be considered by a lower court, said the Justices.

Get the Case TOYOTA MOTOR MFG., KY., INC. V. WILLIAMS (00-1089);
Syllabus | Opinion

Get the Story:
High Court Narrows Disabled Act's Scope (The Washington Post 1/9)
Justices Unanimously Narrow the Scope of Disabilities Act (The New York Times 1/9)
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