1.2 Concept, Meaning and Definition - Handicap, Impairment, Disability, Activity Limitation, Rehabilitation

Understanding Disability Concepts: Impairment, Disability, and Handicap

"The terms disability, impairment, and handicap have been used synonymously within education, counseling, and health literature. Although each can be used when discussing disabling conditions, they convey different meanings."

Key Definitions by WHO

Impairment

Any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.

Disability

Any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

Handicap

The result when an individual with impairment cannot fulfill a normal life role.

Understanding the Differences

A handicap is not a characteristic of a person, but rather a description of the relationship between the person and the environment. For example:

A person born blind (impairment) cannot read printed material (disability). If prevented from attending school or applying for jobs because of this, it becomes a handicap. Assistive technology can help overcome this handicap by enabling reading through alternative means.

Practical Examples

Cerebral Palsy Example

David, age 4 with spastic diplegia:

• Impairment: Inability to move legs easily at joints
• Disability: Inability to walk (improved with walker and braces)
• Handicap: Difficulty in sports as he grows older

Learning Disability Example

Cindy, age 8 with severe dyslexia:

• Impairment: Presumed brain processing difficulty
• Disability: Inability to read (may improve with alternative methods)
• Handicap: Risk of failing grade if accommodations aren't made

Habilitation vs. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

Rebuilding or relearning skills that were lost due to illness, injury, or disability. Example: Regaining movement after a broken bone heals.

Habilitation

Learning new skills for the first time, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities. Example: A child learning to walk or communicate.

Key Insight: The social model of disability emphasizes that handicaps are created by environmental barriers and societal attitudes, not just by individual impairments. This perspective shifts focus to accessibility and inclusion.