Definition of Disability
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Introduction to Disability
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Today, we're diving into the definition of disability. Let's start with asking, what do you think disability means?
I think it's when someone can't do things like everyone else, right?
Yeah, but what does it really include? Like, is it just physical issues?
Great questions! Disability is broader than just physical difficulties. As the WHO explains, it includes impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Can anyone guess why context matters here?
Maybe because some things can be possible if there are no barriers?
Exactly! Contextual factors significantly influence how a disability affects someone's life. Remember this as 'CAP' - Context Affects Participation.
Legal Frameworks for Disability in India
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Now, let's connect our understanding of disability with legal frameworks. The RPwD Act defines a person with a disability. Can anyone share some insight into what this Act includes?
I think it talks about physical and mental issues but also how these affect someone's participation in society.
Spot on! The Act emphasizes that disabilities hinder participation due to barriers. This is significant for civil engineers who need to design accessible environments. An easy way to remember is 'P.E.B.' - Physical, Emotional, Barriers.
So, if we design environments that cater to individuals with various disabilities, we're meeting those legal requirements?
Precisely! By understanding these definitions and laws, we can create inclusive spaces. Let's recap: C.P.A.B. for Context, Participation, and Accessibility Barriers.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
Disability encompasses a variety of impairments that restrict mental, sensory, or mobility functions, affecting an individual's capacity to engage in activities typical for adults. It is understood through frameworks set by organizations like the WHO and legal systems like India's RPwD Act.
Detailed
Definition of Disability
Disability refers to conditions that restrict an individual's mental, sensory, or mobility functions, affecting their ability to perform activities that are considered normal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), disability is an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, showcasing the negative aspects of the interaction between an individual's health conditions and contextual factors.
Furthermore, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016 in India defines a person with a disability as someone with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that inhibit their full participation in society when encountering barriers. This dual perspective emphasizes the complex relationship between a person’s condition and societal structures.
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General Definition of Disability
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
Disability refers to any condition that restricts a person's mental, sensory, or mobility functions to undertake or perform an activity in the manner considered normal for a human being.
Detailed Explanation
This definition outlines what disability means in a broad sense. It emphasizes that disability can affect various aspects of a person's function, including mental abilities (like thinking and learning), sensory functions (like seeing and hearing), and mobility (the ability to move). If any of these functions are restricted, it can influence a person's ability to perform everyday activities in ways that are generally expected or typical in society.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a person trying to participate in a sport. If someone has a condition that restricts their movement (like a knee injury), they won't be able to play the game like others. This is similar to how disabilities can impact everyday tasks for different people.
WHO Definition of Disability
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Chapter Content
According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Disability is an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. It denotes the negative aspects of the interaction between an individual’s health condition and contextual factors.”
Detailed Explanation
Here, the WHO provides a more nuanced definition of disability. It recognizes that disability encompasses not just the physical or intellectual impairments but also how these impairments limit a person's activities and participation in society. The term 'contextual factors' includes environmental, social, and personal elements that can affect how disabilities impact individuals. For example, a person with a mobility impairment may struggle more in a city without ramps or elevators.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine someone in a wheelchair. If they live in an area with accessible ramps and elevators, they may be able to participate fully in community activities. However, if they live in an area with many stairs and no ramps, their ability to engage with society is restricted, illustrating the role of contextual factors.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Definition
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Chapter Content
According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (India): 'A person with disability means a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.'
Detailed Explanation
This definition from the Indian legislation specifically highlights that a disability can stem from long-term impairments in various forms, including physical and mental aspects. It also emphasizes that it is the interaction between these impairments and barriers in society that ultimately determines whether a person can participate fully. This points to the importance of removing barriers in the environment, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a student who is visually impaired. If their school provides braille materials and has audio descriptions for lessons, they can participate effectively just like their peers. However, if these resources are not available, they face barriers that hinder their learning and participation.
Key Concepts
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Disability: A condition affecting an individual's ability to perform normal activities.
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WHO Definition: Emphasizes the interaction between health conditions and societal factors.
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RPwD Act: Legal recognition of various types of disabilities in India.
Examples & Applications
Example of a mobility impairment: A person in a wheelchair facing barriers in access to public buildings.
Example of a sensory impairment: A blind individual experiencing difficulties navigating without tactile guides.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Disability is the label we see, / It’s not just the body, but context, you’ll agree.
Stories
Once there was a girl who loved to dance, but her wheelchair held her back from chance. With ramps and support, she learned to glide, showing her talents, she beamed with pride!
Memory Tools
Remember 'CAP': 'Context Affects Participation' to understand the impact of societal barriers on disabilities.
Acronyms
P.E.B. - Physical, Emotional, Barriers; to remember that disability encompasses these aspects.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Disability
A condition that limits a person's physical, sensory, or cognitive functions in performing activities typically regarded as normal.
- Impairment
Loss or abnormality of a physiological, psychological, or anatomical structure or function.
- Activity Limitations
Difficulties an individual may have in executing tasks or actions.
- Participation Restrictions
Problems an individual faces in involvement in life situations.
- RPwD Act
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which legally defines disability in India and outlines the rights to accessibility.
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