Understanding Disability and Rehabilitation

Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Impairment is defined as a condition that makes it difficult for a person to perform certain activities.

Handicap is defined as a disadvantage or restriction of activity caused by an impairment.

Incapacity is defined as the inability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal.

Rehabilitation is defined as the process of helping people with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

The three main types of rehabilitation are physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medical, surgical, and psychological therapy; and educational, vocational, and social therapy.

The goal of physical rehabilitation is to improve a person's physical function.

The goal of occupational rehabilitation is to improve a person's vocational function.

The goal of speech therapy is to improve a person's communication function.

The goal of medical rehabilitation is to improve a person's physical function.

The goal of surgical rehabilitation is to improve a person's physical function.

The goal of psychological rehabilitation is to improve a person's mental function.

The goal of educational rehabilitation is to improve a person's educational function.

The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to improve a person's vocational function.

The goal of social rehabilitation is to improve a person's social function.