Definition of terms

There are many definitions of those three key words used in relation to disability and they all point quite clearly to the relationship between an individual and his or her social and physical environment.

United Nations and World Health Organization definition:

Impairment         is a physical deviation from what is considered usual in terms of structure, functional,                  physical organization or development. It is objective and measurable (e.g. sickle cell anaemia, loss of tissue or sensation from parts of the body).

Disability             is the functional limitation experienced by the individual because of an impairment. It refers to what the individual cannot do in the usual or expected way. Measurable to some extent but dependent upon a number of variables such as age, occupation, culture, wealth and how they, themselves, regard the disability.

Handicap            is the disadvantage imposed by an impairment or disability. The social and environmental consequences to the individual. It is not measurable, but experienced and includes the actions and reactions of others as well as the reaction of the person with the disability which dictates the degree of disadvantage.