A “Handicapped Person” is defined as an individual with a physical or mental disability that constitutes or results in a functional limitation to employment, or who has any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Types of Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities refer to limitations on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina. Examples include:
- Blindness: A condition where an individual has partial or complete loss of vision.
- Deafness: A condition where an individual has partial or complete loss of hearing.
- Mobility Impairments: Conditions affecting the skeletal, muscular, or nervous systems, such as paralysis or arthritis.
Mental Disabilities
Mental disabilities include cognitive or psychiatric conditions that impact an individual’s mental functioning. Examples include:
- Intellectual Disabilities: Limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, such as Down syndrome.
- Mental Illness: Conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.
Implications on Employment and Life Activities
Employment
Individuals with disabilities may face challenges in the workplace, such as:
- Functional Limitations: Inability to perform certain tasks without accommodations.
- Discrimination: Biases and prejudices that could lead to unequal treatment.
- Need for Reasonable Accommodations: Adjustments or modifications to the job or workplace to enable the person with a disability to perform job duties.
Major Life Activities
The term “major life activities” encompasses essential functions that an individual performs on a daily basis, such as:
- Self-care: Activities like dressing, bathing, and feeding.
- Manual Tasks: Performing household chores or using transportation.
- Learning and Working: Cognitive tasks associated with education and employment.
Historical Context
Early Perceptions
In ancient and medieval times, individuals with disabilities were often marginalized or ostracized. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that significant progress was made in recognizing and accommodating the needs of disabled persons.
Modern Legislation
Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) have been instrumental in promoting accessibility and equality for disabled individuals.
Special Considerations
Accessibility
Ensuring environments are accessible involves:
- Physical Access: Ramps, elevators, and other modifications to buildings and public spaces.
- Communication Access: Use of sign language interpreters, braille, or text-to-speech systems.
Social Inclusivity
Social inclusivity initiatives strive to:
- Promote Awareness: Educate the public about disabilities to reduce stigma.
- Foster Adaptive Technologies: Encourage the development and use of technologies that assist daily living activities.
Comparisons
Handicap vs. Disability
- Disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.
- Handicap: Refers to the societal disadvantages or barriers that result from a disability.
Related Terms
- Ableism: Discrimination in favor of able-bodied individuals.
- Universal Design: Designing buildings and products to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without need for adaptation.
FAQs
What laws protect handicapped persons in the workplace?
How can workplaces become more inclusive for handicapped persons?
Can handicapped persons live independently?
References
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Reports on Disability
Summary
A handicapped person is someone who has a physical or mental impairment significantly affecting their ability to perform major life activities or gain employment. Through legislation, technological advancements, and societal shifts towards inclusivity and accessibility, the barriers faced by handicapped persons are gradually being addressed to ensure equal opportunities and improved quality of life.
