Jamie Pomeranz, Ph.D., CRC August 30, 2005 Disability Defined Jamie Pomeranz, Ph.D., CRC August 30, 2005 11/12/2018

Dictionary Definition of Disability 1 : the condition of being disabled b : inability to pursue an occupation because of physical or mental impairment 2 : lack of legal qualification to do something 3 : a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage Merriam-Webster Dictionary 11/12/2018

Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) Definition A person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section 11/12/2018

Social Security Administration (SSA) Definition the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. (Social Security Act, 1992) 11/12/2018

Categorizing Disabilities Categorization of disabilities is necessary in order to provide benefits and services to those who need them. Based on symptom manifestation, not cause or etiology It affects the type of prejudice and discrimination directed toward individuals with disabilities 11/12/2018

Categorizing Disabilities (Cont) Diagnoses may affect self-image Categorization does not reflect the self-identities, strengths, abilities, assets, and resources of the individual, and may lead to stereotyping (Lane, 2002) 11/12/2018

4 Categories of Disabilities 1. Physical Disabilities Visual impairments Hearing impairments Dual sensory loss (deaf-blindness) Mobility impairments Health disorders 11/12/2018

Categories of Disabilities (Cont) 2. Intellectual Disabilities Mental Retardation mild: IQ = 55 - 70 moderate: IQ = 40 - 55 severe: IQ = 25 - 40 profound: IQ = < 25 Down’s Syndrome 11/12/2018

Categories of Disabilities (Cont) 3. Cognitive Disabilities Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Learning Disabilities 4. Psychiatric Disabilities Mental Illness Autism Chemical and Substance Abuse (Lane, 2002) 11/12/2018

Professional Definitions of Disability 11/12/2018

Professional Definitions Distinct amongst various professions. Different expectations associated with different professions. Often individual and pathology based. Many professionals focus on fixing the problem rather than acknowledging social elements of disability. 11/12/2018

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Disability Etiquette and Language 11/12/2018

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The Basics Ask before you help Be sensitive about physical contact Think before you speak Speak directly to the person with a disability (e.g. not an interpreter) Don’t make assumptions People with disabilities are the best judges of what they can and cannot do Respond graciously to requests 11/12/2018

The Basics (Cont) Shake Hands Use normal tone of voice When talking to someone in a wheelchair for a long period of time make an effort to get on their eye level (e.g. sit in a chair). Identify yourself to person with a visual impairment and a person that is with you. 11/12/2018

“Person with a Disability” rather than “A disabled person” Person First Language “Person with a Disability” rather than “A disabled person” 11/12/2018

Disability vs. Handicap A disability is a condition caused by an accident, trauma, genetics or a disease, which may limit a person’s mobility, hearing, vision, speech or mental function. Some people have more than one disability. A handicap is physical or attitudinal constraint that is imposed upon a person, regardless of whether that person has a disability. A set a stairs would be a handicap for a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair. 11/12/2018

Acceptable Unacceptable Person with a disability Uses a wheelchair Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury Deaf or Blind person Person with Mental Retardation Able-Bodied “see you later to a blind person” Cripple, handicapped Wheelchair bound Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury or a victim of an SCI Deaf and Dumb Retarded, moron, imbecile, and idiot Unhealthy Normal when used as the opposite of a person with a disability 11/12/2018