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Who are the disabled?
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Disability is a broad term that encompasses a variety of physical, mental, intellectual, and sensory impairments that might affect someone’s activities and participation in society. Our understanding of disability has evolved significantly over the years, which has led to a more inclusive and respectful approach in both language and policy. These developments reflect a shift from viewing disability purely in medical terms to understanding it as a complex interplay between an individual’s health conditions and his or her environment.
Disability is part of the human condition. Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life. According to the World Health Organization, disability has three dimensions:
- Impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning (examples of impairments include loss of a limb, loss of vision, or memory loss).
- Activity limitations such as difficulty seeing, hearing, walking, or problem-solving.
- Participation restrictions in normal daily activities such as working, engaging in social and recreational activities, or obtaining health care and preventive services.
This model both integrates the medical dimension (focusing on physical, sensory, or mental limitations) with the social (focusing on societal barriers that restrict participation).
Disabilities can be categorized into several broad types, each affecting different body functions or activities. Common categorizations include:
- Physical Disabilities: These involve impairments in mobility or dexterity, including conditions such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or amputation.
- Sensory Disabilities: These affect one’s ability to process sensory information, including visual and auditory disabilities such as blindness and deafness.
- Intellectual Disabilities: These involve impairments in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting how quickly someone can learn new things or adapt to new situations. Conditions such as Down syndrome and other developmental disorders are included in this category.
- Mental Health Disabilities: These include disabilities resulting from disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior—such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
- Neurodiversity: This term has been increasingly used to describe variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. It is often associated with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
The language used to discuss disability has also undergone significant changes to reflect increased awareness and respect for the dignity of individuals with disabilities. Person-first language places the person before the disability. It is often preferred because it emphasizes the individuality of the person rather than defining them by their disability.
For example, you might refer to someone as “a person with a disability” rather than a “disabled person.” On the other hand, some communities (like the deaf community and autistic community) still prefer identity-first language (e.g., “deaf person,” “autistic person”) because they view their disability as an integral part of their identity, not something negative but as a point of pride.
Language continues to evolve as societal perceptions of disability change. Terms that were once considered acceptable like “handicapped,” “crippled,” or “mentally retarded” are now seen as outdated and derogatory. The ongoing development of the language and categorization of disability reflects a broader societal commitment to respect and inclusion. The aim is to acknowledge the dignity of every individual while fostering a more inclusive community. Understanding the varied categories of disability and the importance of respectful terminology is crucial for respect and promoting inclusion in all aspects of societal interaction.