What is a “substantial adverse effect?
A substantial adverse effect is something which is more than a minor or trivial effect. The requirement that an effect must be substantial reflects the general understanding of disability as a limitation going beyond the normal differences in ability which might exist among people. Q: What is a long term effect? A: A long-term effect of an impairment is one: ■ which has lasted at least 12 months, or ■ where the total period for which it lasts is likely to be at least 12 months, or ■ which is likely to last for the rest of the life of the person affected. Effects which are not long-term would therefore include loss of mobility due to a broken limb which is likely to heal within 12 months and the effects of temporary infections, from which a person would be likely to recover within 12 months. Q: What if the effects come and go over a period of time? A: If an impairment has had a substantial adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities but that effect ceases, the substantial effect is t
