The Great Debate: Who is Disabled and Who Is Not?

The answer to this question has been a subject of debate for several decades. Even today, there is little agreement on a singular right way to define and understand Disability. Disability definitions vary by culture, religion, geographic location, economics, science, and politics. Throughout society, Disability is defined differently for different purposes. A person may be regarded as Disabled in one community or setting but not in another. Disability definitions are complex and continually contested. The lack of a clear definition has caused constant confusion. The answer to who is and is not Disabled should be as simple as, people are Disabled. But who decides which people?

Defining Disability is an essential social, legal, and political issue. The definition should provide Disabled people access to civil rights that guarantee full and equal citizenship. Unfortunately, there is no universal definition. Disability is contextual and how it is perceived and defined changes depending on the context it is viewed in. The lack of a clear and consistent definition of Disability has resulted in many legal definitions that are ineffective and unenforced. Without a clear definition, Disabled people continue to experience widespread inequities, exclusion, and human rights violations.