The terms disability and impairment are often used interchangeably. Disability relates to how impairments affect an individual’s ability to function in their home and community environment.

Physical, cognitive, and congenital impairments often result in disabilities. However, most definitions explain impairments as physical or mental deficits or differences that can be seen or perceived.

disability — a mental or physical condition that limits an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities in a typical way. chronic illness — a condition requiring medical attention or limiting usual daily activities for greater than one year. illness — the perceived experience of a disorder within the body. impairment — loss of one’s physical or mental ability that inhibits usual or expected functioning Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) enacted in 1975, requires that all….