Disabilities

Definition of Disability

Disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This can include conditions affecting mobility, sensory perception, cognition, emotional stability, or social interactions. Disabilities can be congenital or acquired, temporary or permanent, and visible or invisible. They may affect an individual's ability to perform daily tasks, communicate, work, or participate in social and recreational activities. The definition of disability often encompasses both the functional limitations caused by the impairment and the social and environmental barriers that hinder full participation in society. The goal is to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all individuals.

Classification of Disabilities

According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) description of disabilities

1. Body Functions and Structures

Body Functions: Refers to the physiological and psychological functions of body systems.
- Sensory Functions: Includes functions of vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, etc.
- Neuromusculoskeletal Functions: Such as motor control, muscle strength, range of joint motion.
- Mental Functions: Includes cognitive functions (such as attention, memory, thinking), emotional functions (such as emotion regulation, stress management), perceptual functions (such as spatial perception, time perception).

Body Structures: Refers to anatomical parts of the body.
- Central Nervous System: Such as the brain, spinal cord.
- Sensory Organs: Such as the eyes, ears.
- Movement System: Such as bones, muscles, joints.
- Internal Organs: Such as the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract.

Sensory Function Disability - Visual Impairment

This includes conditions such as complete blindness or severe low vision impairing daily activities.

Neuromusculoskeletal Function Disability - Spina Bifida

This is a congenital disorder where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord.

Psychological Disorder - Depression

A mental health disorder characterized by profound sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.

2. Activities and Participation

Activities: Refers to an individual's ability to execute specific tasks or actions.
- Basic Activities: Such as walking, eating, dressing, bathing.
- Complex Activities: Such as using transportation, shopping, managing finances.

Participation: Refers to an individual's involvement in different life situations.
- Social Activities: Such as communicating with family and friends, participating in community activities.
- Educational Participation: Such as attending school, receiving training.
- Occupational Participation: Such as employment, vocational training.
- Leisure Activities: Such as sports, traveling, hobbies.

Cerebral Palsy

A neurological disorder affecting muscle control and movement, often resulting from damage to the developing brain.

Hearing Impairment

Various degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound, impacting communication and social interaction.

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors refer to the external physical, social, and attitudinal environment's impact on an individual's functioning and disability.
- Physical Environment: Such as accessibility features in buildings, transportation facilities, assistive technology.
- Social Environment: Such as family support, social support, workplace environment.
- Policies and Regulations: Such as disability rights protection laws, accessibility regulations.
- Attitudes and Values: Such as societal attitudes towards people with disabilities, cultural values.

Accessible Building Facilities

The absence of ramps, elevators, or accessible bathrooms can limit the daily lives of people with disabilities.

Social Support

Lack of family or societal support can affect the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Attitudes and Values

Societal attitudes and cultural values towards people with disabilities can influence their participation and life experiences.

4. Personal Factors

Personal factors include individual background and characteristics that also affect an individual's functioning and disability status.
- Demographic Characteristics: Such as age, gender.
- Lifestyle Habits: Such as dietary habits, exercise habits.
- Personality Traits: Such as personality, coping strategies.
- Health Status: Such as medical history, health behaviors.

Lankasky K. A consumer’s perspective on living with a disability: how change in function affects daily life.

Age-related Health Issues

Individuals with disabilities may experience accelerated aging effects or age-related health conditions earlier than the general population. This can include conditions such as early onset arthritis or cardiovascular issues, which can further limit mobility and overall functioning.

Kathleen Lankasky (2004). "I was about 35 years old when I started to feel the signs of aging that I later learned were being brought on prematurely by my disability (cerebral palsy)." [Used from NIH NLM].

Limited Educational Opportunities

Individuals with disabilities may face barriers accessing quality education due to physical, communication, or attitudinal barriers. Limited educational opportunities can hinder skill development, employment prospects, and social integration, perpetuating cycles of inequality and exclusion.

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