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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 4 Categories of Disabilities
1. Physical Disabilities
Visual impairments
Hearing impairments
Dual sensory loss (deaf-blindness)
Mobility impairments
Health disorders
11/12/2018

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

9. 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

10. Professional Definitions of Disability
11/12/2018

11. 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

12. 11/12/2018

13. 11/12/2018

14. 11/12/2018

15. Disability Etiquette and Language
11/12/2018

16. 11/12/2018

17. 11/12/2018

18. 11/12/2018

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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