Understanding Disability Concepts: Impairment, Disability & Handicap

Concepts of ill health related to disability include:

- Impairment: A physical or mental abnormality or loss that has a substantial and long-term impact on a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.

- Disability: A limitation or restriction in a person's performance or participation in daily life due to impairments or activity limitations.

- Handicap: A disadvantage experienced by an individual due to their impairment or disability, which limits or prevents their full and effective participation in society.

- Chronic condition: A long-term medical condition that requires ongoing management or treatment.

- Malignant disease: A term for cancer, referring to its potentially harmful and destructive spread within the body.

- Terminal illness: A condition or disease considered incurable and likely to cause death in a relatively short period.

- Functional limitations: Problems or limitations in a person's ability to perform essential daily activities, such as walking, eating, or bathing, due to their health condition.

- Quality of life: A subjective assessment of an individual's satisfaction and well-being, encompassing physical, mental, social, and environmental aspects of life.