What is Disability?
Across the world, different organizations have defined the word 'Disability' in different ways.
As per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, an individual having a disability is a person who:
- has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
- has a record of such an impairment; or
- is regarded as having such an impairment
As per Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) passed by the Parliament of Australia disability is defined as "a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day to day activities".
In simple terms, 'Disability' can be defined as the inability to perform any task as a result of any limitations. As a stereotype many people restrict the term 'disability' to people on wheelchair or those using a white cane. However, the term is much more than just these disabilities.
Disabilities can be categorized into:
- Functional disabilities
- Situational disabilities
- Elderly disabilities
To learn more about the different types of disabilities, visit Types of Disabilities.
