What is Disability?
A disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. This can include impairments in body structure or function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, and they can affect a persons vision, movement, thinking, remembering, learning, communicating, hearing, mental health, and social relationships. The World Health Organization estimates that about 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population, experience significant disability, and this number is increasing due to various factors such as population aging and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. Disability can result from the interaction between individuals with a health condition and personal and environmental factors, including negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation, and limited social support. The legal definition of disability, as set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, refers to a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Additionally, the Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
In summary, disability is a complex and diverse concept that encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting individuals ability to engage in various activities and interact with their environment. It is important to recognize the diversity of disabilities and the impact they have on individuals lives.
