A huge number of American citizens are currently suffering from a disability, whether it's short term, permanent, mental, physical or the result of a chronic illness. The Americans with Disabilities act of 1990 defines disability as:

"A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities".

As a result we can use this to define for ourselves conditions which may qualify as disability, although legally these conditions may differ. Finding these definitions is important for ourselves so that we can find our own boundaries and social niches as a citizen. Finding these definitions is also important for government organizations so that benefits and aid can be given to those who need it, as well as protection for those who are unable to ensure their safety as disabled individuals.

When defining conditions which may qualify as disability for ourselves we should strive to use the social model, rather than the medical model of definition. This is because the medical model mixes the terms 'impairment' and 'disability', defining a disability by the things that it stops a person doing. In this way it makes people view the disabled as unable to behave in the 'normal' way that society dictates and this can become an offensive view. The social model, on the other hand, separates disability from impairment and suggests that it is not the person who is impaired, but the environment that is lacking in ways to provide an alternative. For example, a person may be defined as disabled if they are paraplegic, but this is not an impairment because they can move around using a wheelchair. If there was no wheelchair available they would be severely impaired.

Government and medical organizations tend to use the medical model of defining disability because if allows a clear line between ability and disability. While it may be viewed as 'harsh', if it's used in the right way it can clearly identify what needs to improved within a person's environment and what they need to improve their quality of life. It is often more beneficial for individuals, however, to think of the disabled person as limited by their environment, rather than by their individual condition.

The best way to define conditions which may qualify as disability is to visit your local council or government building for more information. They will tell you what you are entitled to and how to go about obtaining it. You may then be required to visit a doctor to be diagnosed with a disability and undergo a course of treatment as well. You should remember that the primary aim of these organizations to help you as a person with a disability, not segregate you or be disbelieving of your condition. It's also important to remember that disability benefits are in high demand in the US, with simply not enough to go round, so if you are unsuccessful in your claim the first time around don't give up; appeal again.

Stan Tian

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Stan Tian