Definition Of Disability

Chapter 1: A Conceptual Foundation of Disability

1. Definition of Disability

Far from being a simple physical fact, disability is also a cultural, normative & legal construct. What a society at specific moment in its history considered a weakness reflects its understanding of a socially functional and normal human being; and thus in a way indicates the self-image of the society. For example, being a woman, poor and homeless is considered vulnerable in several Asian societies. The identification of a physical and mental state as disabling by the society is a tacit acceptance of its responsibility to the people considered disabled. A society with a profound spirit of social responsibility is likely to be more objective in its meaning of disability.

In general, persons with disabilities are determined to account for 15-20% of the poor in developing countries. Inequitable economic and social policies contributed to a large number of people living in extreme poverty. Poor families often don’t have sufficient earnings to meet their basic needs. Inadequate housing, unsanitary living conditions, lack of sanitation and drinking water combined with lack of access to health services lead to disability. Disabled people are also very vulnerable to poverty if they aren’t already poor because disability often results in a loss of income and requires additional expenses. Additional costs directly related to disability include the costs of medical treatment, the purchase and maintenance of special equipment, and travel to access rehabilitation and medical facilities. A survey of disabled people in India found that the direct cost of treatment and varied from three days to two years income equipment, with an average of two

To maximize profits, production is often located where the costs are lowest, lax regulations and workers least likely to organize for better working conditions and fair wages. This often results in high rates of accidents, poisoning toxins, loss of hearing and vision, and the deterioration of health, all contributing to short-term and long-term disability. Occupation problems related to the health of workers employed in stone quarries, leather industry, glass, weaving, diamond cutting, hand embroidery, and children employed in the carpet, match, and cracker industry have been recognized, but have not received adequate attention to be supported by responsible regulatory work standards. Even in developed states permanent disabilities as a result of accidents on the roads & industries outnumber causalities of war. For example, 44,000 people lost their limbs in industrial accidents in comparison to the Vietnam War where 17,000 American soldiers have been