What is the difference between disability and impairment?

Definitions

- Referring to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's ability to perform certain tasks or activities. - Talking about a long-term or permanent condition that affects a person's daily life and requires accommodations or support. - Describing a legal or social status that recognizes a person's limitations and provides protection or assistance.

- Referring to a physical or mental condition that affects a person's ability to function normally. - Talking about a temporary or permanent condition that affects a person's senses, mobility, or cognitive abilities. - Describing a medical or clinical diagnosis that identifies a person's limitations or challenges.

List of Similarities

  • 1Both refer to conditions that affect a person's abilities.
  • 2Both can be physical or mental in nature.
  • 3Both may require accommodations or support.
  • 4Both can be diagnosed by medical professionals.
  • 5Both can impact a person's daily life and activities.

What is the difference?

  • 1Scope: Disability is a broader term that covers a wide range of conditions and limitations, while impairment is more specific and often refers to a particular aspect of functioning.
  • 2Duration: Disability is often a long-term or permanent condition, while impairment can be temporary or permanent.
  • 3Legal status: Disability is a recognized legal and social status that provides protection and assistance, while impairment is primarily a medical or clinical diagnosis.
  • 4Focus: Disability emphasizes the limitations and challenges faced by a person, while impairment focuses on the specific aspect of functioning that is affected.
  • 5Connotation: Disability can have a negative connotation and be associated with stigma or discrimination, while impairment is a more neutral term.
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Remember this!

Disability and impairment are both terms used to describe conditions that limit a person's abilities. However, disability is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of conditions and is often a long-term or permanent status that requires accommodations and support. On the other hand, impairment is a more specific term that refers to a particular aspect of functioning and can be temporary or permanent.

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