Impairment, Disability, and Handicap

Impairment, Disability, and Handicap

The terms impairment, disability, and handicap may seem synonymous, especially because they are mostly used interchangeably, but they are not. To help showcase the differences between these words, here are their definitions. Impairment refers to either a loss of a function or reduced function in a specific part of the body (Heward 7). An example of an impairment is the loss of an arm, leg, ear, or eye, among others. Secondly, disability refers to the situation whereby an impairment, a loss or reduced function, interferes or limits an individual’s ability to complete a task (Heward 7). An example of a disability is being unable to walk, hear, see, or hold things. Lastly, the term handicap is used to describe a disadvantage or a challenge that an individual with an impairment or disability faces while interacting with their surrounding environment (Heward 7).

Notably, an individual who is impaired or disabled does not mean they are handicapped. The only way such a person becomes handicapped is when their impairment or disability negatively interferes with their life, such as when carrying out personal, educational, vocational, and social activities. To demonstrate this, one can use the example of an older man who has lost his hearing sense and uses a hearing aid. This individual is impaired but not handicapped because using the hearing aid restores their hearing ability; hence, there is no interference in their lives. Further, disability may or may not render one handicapped, depending on the situation. For example, an individual in a wheelchair can move around on flat surfaces just like people who do not use wheelchairs; however, they become handicapped when it comes to going up or down a flight of stairs. As such, most handicap situations usually result from inconsideration for impaired or disabled people when designing living spaces and other environments; for example, the lack of lifts in storey buildings leaves disabled people handicapped.

Works Cited

Heward, William L. Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education. 10th ed., Pearson Education, Inc., 2013.

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Impairment, Disability, and Handicap

Compare and contrast the terms impairment, disability and handicap. Define these terms and explain how they are different and alike. (1 page minimum)
The book is named Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education. 10th Edition. Heward, W.L. (2012)