.

Making reference to a plausible human example, explain the

relationship between impairment, disability and handicap. Be sure to

define all terms using suitable citations, and references.
You need to cite at least 3 authors outside of the Unit. Correct APA
format must be used.
Respond substantively and collegially to at least 1 colleague's post. Also
respond to postings directed to your original post.

Making reference to a plausible human example, explain the

relationship between impairment, disability and handicap.
The terms impairment, disability and handicap are often used synonymously to
make mention of persons with special needs. Though these terms all have different
definitions, they are all related. According to the Medical Dictionary (2014) the term
impairment can be defined as, " a physical or mental defect at the level of a body system
or organ. The official WHO definition is: any loss or abnormality of psychological,
physiologic, or anatomic structure or function." So any problem that persons experience
with their body structure or organs can be termed as an impairment. Frederiksen et al
(n.d) suggest various impairments that exist which includes: visual, hearing, speech
production, language comprehension, intellectual, reading, reduced function of legs and
feet, reduced function of arms and hands and impairment of growth.

The World Health Organization (1980) defines the term disabilities as, " any
restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of the ability to perform an activity in
the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being." Therefore this
could be termed as any damage or weakening of the body as a result of an injury or
disease. Frederiksen et al (n.d.) state that impairments and disabilities can either be
"temporary or permanent, reversible or irreversible, and progressive or regressive." This
however is determined by the situation persons find themselves in. Examples of
disabilities include: developmental conditions (dyslexia, autism), sensory impairments
(visual and hearing), and progressive diseases ( lupus, dementia) just to name a few.
Handicap is defined as "a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an
impairment or a disability, that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal
(depending on age, sex, and social and culture factors) for that individual" according to
the WHO (1980). Handicap limits persons abilities to accomplish simple everyday tasks.
Disabilities are the cause of most handicaps, which prevents the handicapped person from
functioning effectively.
An example of this can be taken from my work environment. I have a coworker that is
partially blind from an eye disease that would render her totally blind one day. The
impairment manifested here is the lack of proper vision in both eyes. This impairment
led to has caused her to stand directly infront of people and not recognise

References:
Emory University. (2014). Impairment, Disability and Handicap. Retrieved on 15th
November from: http://www.pediatrics.emory.edu/divisions/neonatology/dpc/Impairment
%20MX.html

MediLexicon International Ltd. (2014). Impairment. Retrieved on 15th November from:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=43789
Frederiksen. J, et al: Chapter 5:Impairment, Disability and Handicap. Retreived on 15th
November from: http://speech.di.uoa.gr/hestia/books/issues91/05imp.html