Key differences between disability, impairment and handicap
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Friday, 05 July 2024 08:30
Written by Chema Garcia
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In the field of social inclusion and accessibility, it is essential to correctly understand and differentiate the terms disability, deficiency and handicap .
These concepts, although related, have different meanings and implications that affect both public policies and the perception and treatment of people who experience them.
This article aims to clarify the key differences between these terms, promoting greater understanding and awareness of the importance of accurate and respectful language in the context of functional diversity.
Index
Differences between disability and handicap
Differences between disability and deficiency
Differences between disability and incapacity
Differences between disability and handicap
Disability and handicap are terms that, although often used interchangeably, have different meanings and refer to different aspects of the limitations that a person may experience. Below are the key differences between the two concepts :
Disability
Disability refers to a condition that affects a person's physical, mental, sensory, or emotional functioning . This condition may be congenital or acquired over a lifetime, and may affect daily activities and participation in society in various ways. According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ), disability is an umbrella term that encompasses impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
Cause : It can be congenital or acquired.
Scope : Affects daily activities and participation in society.
Examples : Blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, depression, etc.
Handicap
Handicap , on the other hand, is a term used to describe the social disadvantage that a person with a disability may experience. It refers to the negative impact that a disability has on a person's interaction with their environment and on their ability to fulfil expected social roles (such as working, studying, etc.). Handicap occurs when social, physical and attitudinal barriers limit the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society.
Definition : Social disadvantage resulting from a disability.
Cause : Derived from the interaction between the disability and environmental barriers.
Scope : Affects full participation in social roles.
Examples : Difficulty finding employment, limitations in building accessibility, social stigmatization, etc.
Key Differences
Focus : Disability focuses on the individual condition, whereas handicap focuses on the social disadvantage that arises from the interaction between the disability and the environment.
Causes : Disability can be an inherent or acquired condition, while handicap is a consequence of external and social barriers.
Impact : Disability affects a person's functional capabilities, while handicap affects their participation and social role.
Business meeting in an office with a long-haired guy in a bun sitting in a wheelchair surrounded by young colleagues with papers in their hands
Differences between disability and deficiency
Disability and impairment are related terms that are often used interchangeably, but they koreya telefon nomerlari have specific meanings and refer to different aspects of the limitations a person may experience. Below are the key differences between the two concepts :
Deficiency
Impairment refers to the loss or abnormality of a psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. It is a term that describes the alteration in the functioning of the body or mind, and can be temporary or permanent in nature. Impairment focuses on the biological and medical aspect of the individual.
Definition : Loss or abnormality of a psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function.
Cause : It can be congenital or acquired due to diseases, accidents or other factors.
Scope : Focuses on the biological and medical level.
Examples : Loss of a limb, blindness, deafness, cognitive deficit, etc.
Disability
Disability is a broader term that encompasses impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions . It refers to the interaction between a person with an impairment and the environmental and social barriers that affect their ability to participate fully in society. Disability considers not only the biological condition of the individual, but also how this condition interacts with their environment.
Definition : Limitation in physical, mental, sensory or emotional functioning, influenced by environmental barriers.
Cause : Results from the interaction between the deficiency and the environment.
Scope : Focuses on how limitations affect daily life and social participation.
Examples : A person with blindness (impairment) who faces difficulties in accessing educational materials (disability).
Key Differences
Focus : Impairment focuses on the loss or abnormality in the functioning of the body or mind, while disability focuses on the limitation of participation and daily activities due to interaction with the environment.
Causes : Impairment is a biological or medical condition, whereas disability arises from the interaction between the impairment and social and environmental barriers.
Impact : Impairment describes a specific condition of the individual, while disability refers to difficulties in participating fully in society.
Differences between disability and incapacity
The terms disability and incapacity are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings that are important to clarify in order to better understand the limitations a person may experience. Below are the key differences between these concepts:
Disability
Disability is a broad term that refers to a condition that limits a person's physical, mental, sensory, or emotional functioning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), disability results from the interaction between people with impairments and environmental barriers that hinder their full participation in society. That is, disability is not only determined by the person's condition, but also by the social and physical barriers they encounter in their environment.
Definition : Limitation in physical, mental, sensory or emotional functioning, influenced by environmental barriers.
Cause : It can be congenital or acquired, and results from the interaction between the deficiency and the environment.
Scope : Affects daily activities and social participation.