Understanding the terms handicap, impairment, disability, activity limitation, and rehabilitation is essential in the field of special education, healthcare, and social work. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF, 2001).
Concept, Meaning, and Definition
1. Handicap
Concept: Handicap is a disadvantage that limits or prevents an individual from fulfilling a role that is normal for a person of the same age, gender, and cultural background. It arises due to impairments or disabilities interacting with environmental and social barriers.
Meaning: Handicap is not just a medical condition but also a result of the social and environmental factors that restrict a person’s full participation in society.
Concept: Impairment refers to any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. It can be temporary or permanent and may affect physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.
Meaning: Impairment is the first stage in the process that may lead to disability and handicap. It is a medical condition that affects the body or mind.
Definition:
WHO defines impairment as “any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function.”
3. Disability
Concept: Disability is a condition that restricts an individual’s ability to perform daily activities due to impairments. It can be physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychological and can be congenital or acquired.
Meaning: Disability is not just a medical issue but also a social issue, as barriers in the environment can increase its impact.
Definition:
According to WHO (2001), disability is “an umbrella term covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.”
4. Activity Limitation
Concept: Activity limitation occurs when an individual faces difficulty in executing tasks or actions due to impairment or disability.
Meaning: It refers to the reduction in an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, talking, or using hands, as expected for their age and environment.
Definition:
WHO defines activity limitation as “a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action.”
5. Rehabilitation
Concept: Rehabilitation is a process aimed at enabling individuals with disabilities or impairments to achieve and maintain optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological, and social functioning.
Meaning: It includes medical, therapeutic, educational, and vocational interventions to improve an individual’s independence and quality of life.
Definition:
According to WHO, rehabilitation is “a set of measures that assist individuals who experience, or are likely to experience, disability to achieve and maintain optimal functioning in interaction with their environment.”
.png)
.png)
.png)
