Definition for Severely Disabled Exemption

“Physical or mental condition” means an impairment of the body which is of such gravity as to prevent a person from engaging in normal activity without the aid of special equipment or assistance. Examples of severe disabilities include cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain damage. These disabilities may or may not be permanent. Disabilities due to surgery, hospitalization, disease, or injury or acute infectious diseases do not qualify where a person can be expected to resume a normal life within a generally accepted recovery period. If the disabled person was employed in a substantially gainful occupation, the fact that a physical or mental condition will not permit the resumption in the same occupation will not, in and of itself, qualify the taxpayer for the exemption. Example: A baseball player was injured in an accident and was unable to resume that occupation. Subsequently, the player was employed full time as a sales representative of a sports company. The player received disability compensation from the former employer. The taxpayer is not eligible for the exemption. “Orthopedic or medical equipment” means special equipment approved and recommended by a physician. The equipment should alleviate some or all of the difficulties which result from the physical or mental condition and contribute to the person’s mobility and independence. Examples of such equipment includes, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, special braces, prosthesis or special crutches. Special equipment does not include: glasses, ordinary crutches, hearing aids and protective gloves.