Disability: Definition, Explanation, and Example
Disability is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), disability results from the interaction between individuals with a health condition and the barriers in the environment. This means that a person’s functional limitations—whether they are physical, emotional, or cognitive—when coupled with external barriers, can lead to a disability.
Definition:
Disability refers to any condition that significantly limits a person’s ability to perform major life activities. Disabilities can be temporary, long-term, or permanent, and they can affect various aspects of a person’s daily life.
In the context of DEI, recognising and accommodating individuals with disabilities is essential for creating an inclusive environment. An inclusive workplace, for example, ensures that employees with disabilities are given equal opportunities and are not marginalised due to their impairments.
Equity in relation to disability means offering the appropriate accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same access to opportunities and resources as those without disabilities. This could include providing assistive technology, modifying workspaces, or offering flexible work arrangements.
Example:
Imagine a scenario where an employee with a visual impairment is working in a corporate setting. Without the proper accommodations, this employee may struggle with tasks such as reading documents or using software. To mitigate this, the employer could provide assistive tools like screen readers or Braille keyboards, ensuring that the employee can perform their duties effectively.
By addressing the specific needs of the individual, the organisation demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and equity. This, in turn, reduces barriers and allows the employee to contribute fully to the workplace, mitigating the effects of the disability.
Conclusion:
Understanding disability is essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Disabilities are part of the human experience, and as such, everyone must be aware of how environmental barriers can exacerbate or alleviate the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all spaces—whether in the workplace, schools, or public areas—we help ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully in life.
References:
Sheehan, D. V., Harnett-Sheehan, K., & Raj, B. (1996). The measurement of disability. International clinical psychopharmacology, 11, 89-95. https://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/abstract/1996/06003/The_measurement_of_disability.15.aspx
Shakespeare, T. (2017). Disability: the basics. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315624839/disability-tom-shakespeare
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