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What does having a disability mean?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 14, 2026

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.

What is disability in simple words?

A disability is a physical or mental problem that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to walk, see, hear, speak, learn, or do other important things. Some disabilities are permanent, or last forever. Others are temporary, or last for only a short time. A disability can be something a person was born with.

What are the examples of disability?

Some examples of common disabilities you may find are:

  • vision Impairment.
  • deaf or hard of hearing.
  • mental health conditions.
  • intellectual disability.
  • acquired brain injury.
  • autism spectrum disorder.
  • physical disability.

    What illness qualifies for disability?

    What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI?

    • musculoskeletal problems, such as back injuries.
    • cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease.
    • senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss.
    • respiratory illnesses, such as COPD or asthma.

    Who qualifies as having a disability?

    Under the ADA , you have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ADA also protects you if you have a history of such a disability, or if an employer believes that you have such a disability, even if you don’t.

    Are you a person with disability meaning in English?

    lack of adequate power, strength, or physical or mental ability; incapacity. a physical or mental handicap, especially one that hinders or prevents a person from performing tasks of daily living, carrying out work or household responsibilities, or engaging in leisure and social activities.

    Are you a person with disability *?

    “Person with disability” means a person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others. The 21 disabilities covered are as follows.

    What are the 2 types of disability?

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    What is the medical definition of a disability?

    Medical Definition of disability. 3 : a physical or mental illness, injury, or condition that incapacitates in any way also : a program providing financial support to one affected by disability went on disability after the injury.

    How is the word disability used in a sentence?

    Disability definition is – a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person’s ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions; also : impaired function or ability. How to use disability in a sentence.

    What is the definition of disability in basketball?

    anything that disables or puts one at a disadvantage: His mere six-foot height will be a disability in professional basketball. the state or condition of being disabled. legal incapacity; legal disqualification. disability insurance. Think you remember last week’s words? Take this quiz on the Words of the Day from April 6–12 to find out!

    What types of disability is there?

    Types of disability. The main categories of disability are physical, sensory, psychiatric, neurological, cognitive and intellectual. Many people with disability have multiple disabilities. A physical disability is the most common type of disability, followed by intellectual and sensory disability.