Question

After the Knapp and Toyota Motor Mfg. decisions, it may be much easier for student-athletes with learning disabilities to use the disability rights laws to gain access to participation than for those with physical disabilities. Explain why.

Answer 1

In Totota Motor Mfg. firm, a former employee had sued her employer on grounds that her physical disability was not being taken into account at work. She was suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which was not being considered a disability under the American Disability Act (ADA). However, in case of this girl, her disability and impairments did limit her significantly from performing various manual jobs at work such as lifting and working which comprised of the major activities of daily living as well. When the matter was considered, the ADA was then revised to incorporate the same. In case of Knapp, the decision of the university to exclude an athlete from a competition due to his disability was challenged by many.This case note is about a talented basketball player who was excluded from participating in an intercollegiate sport because of a disability post his near death experience while playing the sport. In both the cases, the physical disability was seen to limit the participation of the individuals involved in various domains. Since physical disabilities tend to significantly reduce the participation of individuals in various areas of life, rights/laws related to disabilities incorporate the same fact. At the same time, student athletes with learning disabilities may continue with their sport participation. This is mainly because a learning disability is not likely to cause physical impairments that limit participation for them.