Impairment
Impairment means a lack/abnormality of an anatomic, physiological or psychological
structure or function or deviation on a person.
It refers to any loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological or anatomical
structure or function.
It is the absence of particular body part or organ. It could also a
condition in which the body exists but doesn‘t function. Some children, for instance, have
impairments such as eyes that do not see well, arms and legs that are deformed, or a
brain not developing in a typical way etc.
Disability
The term disability is ambiguous as there is no single agreement on the concept (Mitra, 2006). It is not synonymous with AKAL-GUDATENGA
(የአካል ጉዳተኛ) meaning impairment
The concept of disability is complex, dynamic, multidimensional, and contested (WHO and
World Bank, 2011).
The full inclusion of people with impairments in society can be inhibited by:
- Attitudinal (societal barriers, such as stigma)
- Physical barriers (environmental barriers, such as absence of stairs), and
- Policy barriers (systemic barriers),
Where all together can create a disabling effect and inhibit disability inclusive development.
They are disabling factors
If these problems addressed, impairment may not lead to disability
Where all together can create a disabling effect and inhibit disability inclusive development.
Societal, environmental, and systemic barriers are the most popular disabling factors:
A disabled persons (Persons with disability) What is disability?
1. Medical Approach
Disability is pathology (physiological, biological and intellectual). Disability means
functional limitations due to physical, intellectual or psychic impairment, health or psychic
disorders on a person (WHO,1996). The medical definition has given rise to the idea that people are individual objects to be ―treated‖, ―changed" or ―improved" and made more
―normal. The medical definition views the disabled person as needing to ―fit in ‖rather than
thinking about how society itself should change. This medical definition does not adequately
explain the interaction between societal conditions or expectations and unique circumstances
of an individual
The social definition of disability:
- Disability is a highly varied and complex condition with a range of implications for
social identity and behaviour.
- Disability largely depends on the context and is a consequence of discrimination,
prejudice and exclusion.
- Emphasizes the shortcomings in the environment and in many organized activities in
society, for example on information, communication and education, which prevent
persons with disabilities from participating on equal terms.
Causes of disability
Disability can be caused by the following factors.
Genetic Causes
Abnormalities in genes and genetic inheritance can cause intellectual disability in children. In
some countries, Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition. Sometimes, diseases, illnesses, and over-exposure to x-rays can cause a genetic disorder.
Environmental
Poverty and malnutrition in pregnant mothers can cause a deficiency in vital minerals and
result in deformation issues in the unborn child. After birth, poverty and malnutrition can
also cause poor development of vital organs in the child, which can eventually lead to
disability. The use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, the exposure to certain toxic chemicals and
illnesses, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, rubella and syphilis by a pregnant mother can
cause intellectual disability to the child.
Childhood diseases such as a whooping cough,
measles, and chicken pox may lead to meningitis and encephalitis. This can cause damage to
the brain of the child. Toxic material such as lead and mercury can damage the brain too.
Unfortunate life events such as drowning, automobile accidents, falls and so on can result in
people losing their sight, hearing, limbs and other vital parts of their body and cause
disability.
Unknown Causes
The human body is a phenomenal thing. Scientists have still not figured out what and how
some things in the body, cells, brain, and genes come about. Humans have still not found all
the answers to all the defects in the human body .
Inaccessible environments
Sometimes society makes it difficult for people with some impairment to function freely.
When society develops infrastructure such as houses, roads, parks and other public places
without consideration to people with impairment, the basically make it impossible for them
to take care of themselves.
For example, if a school is built with a ramp in addition to stairs,
it makes it easy for people with wheelchairs to move about freely. This way, their
impairment is not made worse. Lack of education, support services, health and opportunities
for people with impairment can cause additional disability to people with disabilities and
even people with no disability.
Some type of disabilities: Some nine major disabilities are listed and briefly discussed in the
coming pages below.
Visual impairment in general designates two sub- classifications.
These are blindness and
low vision.
- Blindness, total or partial inability to see because of disease or disorder of the eye,
optic nerve, or brain. The term blindness typically refers to vision loss that is not
correctable with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Blindness may not mean a total absence
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of sight, however. Some people who are considered blind may be able to perceive
slowly moving lights or colours.
- The term low vision is used for moderately impaired vision. People with low vision
may have a visual impairment that affects only central vision—the area directly in
front of the eyes—or peripheral vision—the area to either side of and slightly behind
the eyes.
2. Hearing Impairment
Different people define the term hearing impairment differently. The definitions given to
hearing impairment convey different meaning to different people. Different definitions and
terminologies may be used in different countries for different purpose.
Pasonella and Carat
from legal point of view, define hearing impairment as a generic term indicating a continuum
of hearing loss from mild to profound, which includes the sub-classifications of the hard of
hearing and deaf.
Hard of Hearing: "A hearing impairment, whether permanent of fluctuating, which
adversely affects a child's educational performance but which is not included under the
definition of 'deaf'." Whelan, R. J. (1988).
This term can also be used to describe
persons with enough (usually with hearing aids) as a primary modality of acquisition of
language and in communication with others.
1. Deaf: Those who have difficulty understanding speech, even with hearing aids but can
successfully communicate in sign language. Cultural definitions of deafness, on the
other hand, emphasize an individual‘s various abilities, use of sign language, and
connections with the culturally deaf community.
2. Specific learning disability: Specific Learning Disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological
processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may
manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do
mathematical calculations.
The term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain
dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not include learning
problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; of intellectual
disability; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.
Learning disabilities should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the
result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps; of intellectual disability; of emotional
disturbance; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages.
Generally speaking, people with learning disabilities are of average or above average
intelligence. There often appears to be a gap between the individual‘s potential and actual
achievement.
This is why learning disabilities are referred to as ―hidden disabilities‖: the
person looks perfectly ―normal‖ and seems to be a very bright and intelligent person, yet may
be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age. A learning
disability cannot be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong challenge. However, with appropriate
support and intervention, people with learning disabilities can achieve success in school, at
work, in relationships, and in the community.
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