Disability is a broad term that refers to any physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive impairment that affects an individual’s ability to perform certain activities or tasks. Disabilities can be either permanent or temporary and vary from mild to severe.
There are many different types of disabilities, including:
- Physical disabilities: These include impairments to mobility, dexterity, or stamina, such as paralysis, muscular dystrophy, or amputation.
- Sensory disabilities include vision or hearing impairments, such as blindness or deafness.
- Intellectual disabilities: These include impairments to cognitive abilities, such as Down syndrome or intellectual disability.
- Mental health disabilities: These include impairments to emotional or psychological well-being, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
- Learning disabilities: These include impairments to reading, writing, or mathematics skills, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia.
According to spedtex.org, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide special education services to eligible students. To qualify for special education services, the child must be identified in one of the 13 categories of disabilities, and their school performance must be adversely affected.
To learn more about these categories, click one of the buttons below.
Disabilities can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and their ability to participate in social, educational, and occupational activities. Society needs to create inclusive and accessible environments that accommodate the needs of people with disabilities and provide support and resources to help them achieve their full potential.