Disability

Any temporary or permanent condition of the body or the mind that reduces a person’s ability to function at a higher level of effectiveness.

Any limitation of physical, mental, or social activity of an individual as compared with other individuals of similar age, sex, and occupation. Frequently refers to limitation of the usual or major activities, most commonly vocational. There are varying types (functional, vocational, learning), degrees (partial, total), and durations (temporary, permanent) of disability. Benefits for disability are often only available for specific disabilities such as total and permanent (the requirement for social security and Medicare).

A condition in which part of the body does not function in the usual way and makes some activities difficult or impossible.

The absence or loss of physical, mental, or emotional function and, sometimes, earning ability. May be temporary or permanent, total or partial. “Disability” will have a specific legal definition for a particular purpose; for example, Social Security or workers’ compensation laws.

Weakness, defect, disorder, or other impairment that results in reduction or loss of mental or physical function; incapacity. As defined by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, disability is inability, caused by medically determined physical or mental impairment expected to last for at least 12 months, to engage in substantial gainful employment. Determination of disability is a legal one encompassing both medical and other issues. Impairment, on the other hand, is a purely medical determination.

A physical or emotional condition that impairs the ability to function. Degrees of disability are highly variable. variable. For example, with certain accommodations, a person with a minor disability (such as a learning disorder) can continue to lead a relatively normal life. Aids such as canes or wheelchairs can help people who have partial paralysis — for example, from a stroke or other condition that limits mobility. However, someone who is disabled with a serious chronic illness (such as Alzheimer’s disease) can require home health care or may need to enter a residential facility. In some cases, the government will help pay for the cost of caring for a person with a serious disability.

The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determined physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Age, education and work experience are taken into consideration in determining whether the person might be gainfully employed in a job comparable to the work performed at the time of the disability. Persons who qualify according to the definition are entitled to Disabled Workers’ Benefits.

An observable mental or physical loss or impairment which is measurable and which may be permanent or temporary. If the disability is serious enough to affect a person’s normal function adversely, it is described as a handicap.

Any physical, mental, or functional impairment that limits a major activity. It may be partial or complete. The definition of disability is controversial. To some experts it refers to any restriction or inability to perform socially defined roles or tasks that are expected of an individual in specific social contexts. Another concept of disability is that it is any restriction or lack of ability to perform tasks or roles in the manner previously considered normal for an individual. Contemporary views of disability recognize that characteristics of the environment interact with an individual’s abilities to determine functional performance. In this view, the presence of disability is not entirely determined by bodily function or impairment.

A physical or mental impairment or deficiency that interferes with a person’s normal activity.