A Change in Definition that Could Affect Millions

Just how much impact does a definition have on our lives? Well, for millions of people, a new definition for "disability" may mean losing protection once guaranteed by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

According to The Los Angeles Times online (1/9/02), the Supreme Court recently ruled that workers with repetitive motion injuries, such as back problems or carpal tunnel syndrome, may no longer qualify as "disabled" under ADA. The site also reports the new definition restricts a disability to the permanent or long-term inability to perform tasks "central to daily life."

In effect, employees may no longer use ADA to sue employers who discriminate against certain physical challenges or fail to provide accommodation.

Such is the power of words.

Remember that any definition in the workplace can have far-reaching implications. Beyond contracts, in everyday documentation or correspondence definitions create limits for your readers, whether they're co-workers or customers. When writing a definition, use words that state precisely what you mean, leaving as little room as possible for misinterpretation. Be clear and, when possible, direct.

Start by choosing the right words to convey your meaning. For more information, see Module 15.