International Definitions
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD is an international human rights treaty of the United Nations that protects the rights of persons with disabilities. The CRPD adopts a Social Model of Disability but does not offer a specific definition.
Disability is an evolving concept—disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers. The interaction between these factors hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis. Persons with disabilities have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. Their impairments in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
The ICF provides an international standard for measuring health and Disability. It recognizes health conditions and the role of environmental factors in the creation of disability.
Disability = A + B + C
- A. Impairments in Body Functions and Structures
- B. Limitations in Activity
- C. Restriction in Participation
Disability is seen as a result of an interaction between a person (with a health condition) and that person's contextual factors (environmental factors and personal factors) Disability is not seen as an individual's intrinsic feature but a result of interaction in an environment. The interaction of the same person with the health condition may yield different functioning level in different environments.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD is an international human rights treaty of the United Nations that protects the rights of persons with disabilities. The CRPD adopts a Social Model of Disability but does not offer a specific definition.
Disability is an evolving concept—disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers. The interaction between these factors hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis. Persons with disabilities have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. Their impairments in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
The ICF provides an international standard for measuring health and Disability. It recognizes health conditions and the role of environmental factors in the creation of disability.
Disability = A + B + C
- A. Impairments in Body Functions and Structures
- B. Limitations in Activity
- C. Restriction in Participation
Disability is seen as a result of an interaction between a person (with a health condition) and that person's contextual factors (environmental factors and personal factors) Disability is not seen as an individual's intrinsic feature but a result of interaction in an environment. The interaction of the same person with the health condition may yield different functioning level in different environments.