Sixth Circuit Explains Not All Work Restrictions Are Disabilities Under The ADA

A unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently upheld summary judgment on behalf of an employer, explaining that “just because a plaintiff has work restrictions does not mean that he is disabled.” While the 2008 amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) arguably relaxed the showing required for plaintiffs bringing suit under the ADA, the Sixth Circuit confirmed that “simply having a work restriction” or “being unable to perform a discrete task or a specific job” “does not automatically render one disabled” under the ADA.