Impairment, Disability & Handicap - what is the difference? - CDP Concepts English Explanation

Impairment, Disability & Handicap

Impairment - loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.
E.g., A child with ear problems may have 'Hearing Impairment'.

Disability - restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.
E.g., A child with ear problems, which cannot be corrected, may be unable to hear - i.e. he has a 'Hearing Disability'.

Handicap - the result when an individual with an impairment & disability cannot fulfil a normal life role.
E.g., A child with ear problems, who is unable to hear normally, may not be able to go to a school. This can be considered a Handicap.

An Impairment, if not corrected, becomes a disability. A disability, if not addressed, becomes a handicap.