Globally, the concept of what constitutes a disability can vary, but it generally includes physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder an individual’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Here are some key points about how disability is viewed and defined around the world:
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO defines disability as an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. It emphasizes the interaction between health conditions and environmental and personal factors.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): This international treaty has been ratified by many countries and defines persons with disabilities as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may prevent their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the USA: The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
Equality Act 2010 in the UK: This act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to do normal daily activities.
Social Model of Disability: Many disability advocates prefer the social model of disability, which suggests that disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people.
These definitions and views help frame laws, policies, and attitudes towards accommodations, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities across different regions and cultures.
www.disabilityawareness.au
At Disability Aware, we began with a vision to recognize and respect the diverse definitions and understandings of disability around the globe. Inspired by foundational principles from the World Health Organization, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and national laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equality Act 2010, we sought to bridge cultural and legal variances in disability perceptions. Our commitment was to foster a universally inclusive environment, regardless of regional or cultural differences.
Our journey started with the core belief upheld by the Social Model of Disability: that barriers in society, and not just individual impairments, create disability. This perspective shifted our focus from merely accommodating to actively dismantling those barriers, enhancing accessibility and participation for everyone, everywhere.
We are now a leading global provider of Disability Awareness Training, dedicated to challenging attitudes and increasing understanding across all levels of society. Our training programs are designed not only to meet compliance requirements but to drive a deeper change—transforming workplaces and communities into environments where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
Each day, we are motivated by the progress we see: organizations becoming more inclusive, employees growing more empathetic, and communities celebrating diversity. Our story is still being written, one successful training, one empowered individual, and one removed barrier at a time. Join us in our mission to build a world where every person has the opportunity to participate fully and equally.