PART 1
FOUR COMMON DISABILITIES The landscape of disability is complex, spanning from conditions present at birth, those that are progressive or develop over time, those caused by injuries, and structural and functional impairments. The World Health Organization’s 2001 International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health standardizes and classifies disabilities by considering the limitations of activity and participation in personal and societal life. When it comes to persons with disabilities and travel, consider four types of disabilities: vision, mobility, neurocognitive, and auditory. While some disabilities are visible, many are unseen. No matter the type of disability that exists, it is essential to treat each individual with respect. This involves understanding and acknowledging unique perspectives, needs, and experiences. Let’s begin with a definition of each disability type and important considerations.
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Watch This Video (3:40) “We Don’t Bite” is a short video produced by the District of Columbia for disability sensitivity training.
Vision disabilities. Inclusive of blindness and low vision, conditions affecting a person’s ability to see.
Auditory disabilities. Inclusive of deafness and hard of hearing, conditions affecting a person’s ability to hear. Mobility disabilities. Conditions affecting a person’s ability to move around independently and perform everyday activities. Neurocognitive disabilities. Variations in human neurological development that result in different ways of processing information, experiencing the world, and interacting with others.
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