Disability and Impairment

Impairment refers to any loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological or anatomical structure or function. For example, a person with a broken arm has a physical impairment. Disability is a restriction or lack of ability resulting from impairment to perform an activity in the manner considered normal for a human being. For example, a person with a broken arm may have a disability in performing certain activities that require the use of both arms. Handicap is a disadvantage for an individual resulting from an impairment that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role considered normal. For example, a person with a broken arm may have a handicap in fulfilling the duties of their job that require the use of both arms.

Disability can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, childhood diseases, and inaccessible environments.

Society, environment, and systemic barriers that cause disability include inaccessible infrastructure, lack of appropriate medical care, inadequate educational opportunities, and social exclusion.

<p>Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects how sound is processed or interpreted by the brain. Individuals with APD have difficulty recognizing subtle differences between sounds in words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Visual impairment includes blindness and low vision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hearing impairment includes hard of hearing and deafness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No, disability is not a punishment from God or a form of personal punishment. Disability is caused by various factors, including genetic and environmental factors, and is not a reflection of personal worth or morality.</p> Signup and view all the answers