Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Substantially limiting affects a person's ability to perform activities compared to:

1. Individuals within their specific profession

2. Average people without disabilities

3. A select group of individuals with similar conditions

4. Experts in the field

The correct answer is: Average people without disabilities

The concept of "substantially limiting" refers to how an individual’s ability to perform major life activities is affected in comparison to the average person without disabilities. This standard is used to assess the impact of an individual's impairment on their daily life and functioning. When evaluating whether someone is substantially limited, the focus is on how their abilities contrast with those who do not have any impairments, allowing for a clear understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This framework is foundational in areas such as disability rights and rehabilitation counseling, where determining the extent to which an individual's condition restricts them is pivotal for providing necessary services and accommodations. In contrast, comparing a person's capabilities to others in specific professions, a select group with similar conditions, or experts in the field would not provide an accurate assessment of what "substantially limiting" means from a broader societal perspective. Each of those groups may have varying degrees of capacity, which does not reflect the standard baseline established by the general population without disabilities. Thus, the comparison to average individuals without disabilities is essential for understanding the ramifications of an established disability.