The need for some agreed definitions, largely to ensure that disability support programs are fair about who is to receive benefits and why, has prompted much discussion and debate.
The use of common terms and definitions provides individuals with a basis for a common understanding. In this way, communication is assisted, transparency in social programmes is improved, and needs are better met through accurate identification and understanding of what people require.
Lets take a look at some definitions of the word “Disability” as defined by various organisations around the world.
The World Health Organization defines Disability as follows:
“Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a persons body and features of the society in which he or she lives.
Three dimensions of disability are recognised in the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH).
A new version of the ICIDH is now being drafted, to embrace developments in the field since 1980, and criticism of the first ICIDH. A range of countries, including Australia, is involved in the work with the World Health Organisation, as well as organisations representing people with a disability. One of the major developments is the more specific recognition of the social construction of the third dimension of disability. It is being proposed that this third dimension be renamed ‘participation’, and that its definition recognise the critical role played by environmental or contextual factors in restricting full participation.
Editors note: If you would like to write or comment about disability issues in Zimbabwe email your issues to: nhau.nhaudzekumusha.lisa@gmail.com
Post published in: News