Disability and Impairments

Human beings are diverse and have a wide range of abilities and characteristics. Some people may have disabilities or impairments that affect their physical or cognitive functioning, while others may not. 

It is important to be aware of the needs and abilities of people with disabilities or impairments in order to design products and spaces that are accessible and inclusive.

Disability is a term that refers to the limitations that an individual may experience in their ability to perform certain tasks or activities, due to a physical or cognitive condition. Disabilities can be congenital, meaning that they are present at birth, or they can be acquired later in life. 

The social model of disability views disability as a result of the interaction between individuals with impairments and the barriers in society that prevent them from fully participating. This model emphasizes the role of the environment, attitudes, and policies in creating disability, and advocates for the removal of these barriers to enable full participation by people with impairments.

Impairment is a term that refers to any loss or decline in psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. Impairments can be temporary or permanent, and they can be the result of a variety of factors, such as injury, illness, or genetics. Examples of impairments include broken bones, vision impairments, and respiratory impairments.

While the terms ‘disability’ and ‘impairment’ are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different meanings. Disability typically refers to the impact of an impairment on a person’s ability to perform daily activities, while impairment refers to the loss or deterioration of function itself. For example, a person with a broken leg may have a temporary impairment, but they may not necessarily have a disability if they are able to perform daily activities using assistive devices. On the other hand, a person with a cognitive impairment may have a disability, even if their impairment is not physically visible.