Difference between disability, handicap and impairment

Description of the tool

Warm up the group by explaining why we need to be clear about terms we use in a project or/and training course (see aim above).

Then make a presentation, which could go as follows:

There is a difference between disability, handicap and impairment:
· 'Impairment' is concerned with the abnormalities of body structure and appearance or of organ and system functioning, resulting from any cause. One can use 'impairment' in conjunction with speech, hearing, sight and mobility or with other form of loss or abnormality. A person may also be "impaired" either by a correctable condition (such as myopia) or by an uncorrectable one (such as cerebral palsy)
· 'Disability' is the functional consequence of impairment, in terms of altered functional performance and activity by the individual. People may be disabled by physical, intellectual or sensory impairment, medical conditions or mental illness. Such impairments, conditions or illnesses may be permanent or transitory in nature. A permanent physical, sensory or intellectual impairment substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities, including reading, writing and other aspects of education; holding a job; and managing various essential functions of life such as dressing, bathing and eating.
· 'Handicap' relates to the disadvantages experienced in society by the individual, as a result of his/her disability. It is basically society and the physical environment what makes people handicapped.

Not all impairments result in disabilities. One may also be disabled but not handicapped.

This is like a building were there is no doors on the ground floor and everybody must climb through the windows, risking their lives and feeling not welcome in this building. Thus, building a ramp for people with reduced mobility should be as natural as building a doors and stairs. It is not the inability to walk which handicaps people, but the fact that there are steps because ramps into a building were simply forgotten or regarded as not important. This is the case when there are no enforced access policies to overcome these barriers.

Poor disabled people? NO, NO! Being disabled is not so terrible after all, if the society or group enables equal participation, regardless disabilities.