After a few surgeries to repair torn tendons, a 3C replacement, and a shaved bone it has resulted in minimal movement in my wrist. I’m talkin’ a few degrees either way - very rigid movement. I can move my fingers fine, but they tire easily when typing or any other activity where finger movement is involved (my WPM has dropped more than 50%). I can lift object ok but it depends on the weight. I cannot, however, hold on to anything for more than a couple of minutes, depending on it’s weight. In time, I may get the strength back but I will never have full extension of my wrist, and I often have to wear a brace if using hand for a long period of time.
Because of this, am I considered to have a physical disability? Are there different categories such as minor and major? Anything I should be aware of?
*the main reason I ask is while filling out applications, many places ask if you are/want to be considered as a person with a disability (mental or physical).
You will probably want to spend some time reading up on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you are in the US. Here is the Department of Labor’s website on the subject.
In general, for a disability to be considered a disability under the ADA for employment purposes, it needs to limit your ability to go about your activities of daily living, not just limit you in a specific type of job, such as typing. You may want to read up on a case called Toyota v. Williams http://www.jaapl.org/cgi/reprint/31/1/97.pdf. In this case the employee was found not to be disabled for the purpose of the law.
There’s no way to say for certain whether your situation falls under the law, but hopefully the info above will help you understand what the ADA does and does not protect.
Somewhat off-topic, but you might try getting an AlphaGrip and see how it works for you for typing. You don’t need to move your hands any so it might be easier on your wrists.