What Qualifies as a Disability?
There are many definitions for disability. Disability generally refers to a medical condition that impacts how an individual can function. A disability often substantially limits life activities and impacts the person’s ability to obtain and retain employment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law written to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA defines disability as any physical or mental impairment that substantially limites one or more major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working.
Disability can become a fact of life for anyone at any time.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, today, 54 million people in the United States are living with a disabiltiy. That’s one in every five people. According to the most recent census data, around 52 million of them live in their community (U.S. Census Bureau 2002). Additionally, about 2 million live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Some people are born with a disability; some people get sick or have an accident that results in a disability; and some people develop a disability as they age. Some have college degrees; some dropped out of school. The reality is that just about everyone – women, men and children of all ages, races and ethnicities – will experience a disability some time during his or her lifetime. As we age, the likelihood of having a disability of some kind increases. For example, 23% of 45 to 54-year-olds have some form of disability; 45% of 65 to 69-year-olds have some form of disability; and 74% of those 80 years and older have some form of disability.
Disability is neither inability nor sickness.
Most persons with disabilities are just as healthy as people who don’t have disabilities; however, for a variety of reasons, persons with disabilities can be at greater risk for illness. Most people with disabilities can, and do, work, play, learn, and enjoy full healthy lives in their communities.
Orthopedic impairments, hard of hearing or deaf and vision challenges are examples of some obvious disabilities. Many people with a disability look just like other people. Their disability is not readily apparent. If you believe you may have a qualifing disability, but aren’t sure, please ask. Some examples of hidden disabilities are listed below.
| Orhopedic injuries (knee, back) | Cardiac Problems | Asthma | Seizure Disorder | |
| Emotional or phychiatric conditions | HIV/AIDS | Kidney Disease | Carpel Tunnel | |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Learning Disabilities | PTSD | Cancer | |
| Drug and Alcohol Addiction | Arthritis | Brain Injury | Diabetes | |
Many other medical conditions being treated by a licensed physican can also qualify. Please ask if you believe you may have a condition that could qualify for our program.
Many individuals with disabilities make good employees due to previous work history, training and education, attitude, and abilities they bring to the job. Most often people with disabilities do not require any accomodations at work. Who are the disabled?
People, like you!