Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which of the following statements about major life activities is true?

1. They only refer to physical activities

2. They must be activities that all people can do well

3. They encompass a range of activities, including thinking and communicating

4. They are defined by specific job roles

The correct answer is: They encompass a range of activities, including thinking and communicating

The statement that major life activities encompass a range of activities, including thinking and communicating, is accurate because it aligns with the broader understanding of what constitutes major life activities as defined by legal frameworks such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Major life activities are not limited to just physical tasks; they can also include cognitive functions and various aspects of mental health. This comprehensive view recognizes that activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working, and performing manual tasks are all essential, as well as the mental processes of thinking, learning, and communicating, which are equally important for individuals to function in society. The other options do not capture the full scope of what major life activities entail. For example, stating that they only refer to physical activities overlooks the critical cognitive and social dimensions of major life activities. The notion that they must be activities that all people can do well diminishes the understanding that major life activities include those that individuals may struggle with, thereby highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Lastly, defining major life activities by specific job roles misrepresents their broader applicability, which extends beyond employment to everyday living and social engagement for all individuals.