Disability definitions Here are some definitions about different types of disability, sourced from the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training ( acys.info/sector_resources/sector_contacts/a-b/australian_disability_clearinghouse_on_education_and_training_adcet ). Acquired brain injury The effects of an acquired brain injury can be minor, occurring over a short period of time, or can be severe and lifelong. This may be caused by accidents, stroke, lack of oxygen and degenerative neurological disease. This type of disability can affect cognitive, physical, emotional and sensory functioning. Autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental disability characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities. Developmental delay Developmental delay occurs if a child develops at a slower pace when compared to other children of the same age. Indicators might be how they move, communicate, learn, understand or interact with other children. Intellectual disability The term ‘intellectual disability refers to a group of conditions caused by various genetic disorders and infections. These conditions result in a limitation or slowness in an individuals general ability to learn and difficulties in communicating and retaining information. As with all disability groups, there are many types of intellectual disability with varying degrees of severity. Physical disability A number of conditions, some of which are permanent, others of a temporary or intermittent nature, may impair physical activity and mobility. These conditions include cerebral palsy, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinsons disease and repetitive strain injury (RSI). Psychiatric disability Psychiatric disabilities may be transitory or of longer standing with symptoms ranging from mild and episodic to severe and ongoing. There are wide ranges of psychiatric disabilities and these can impair a persons functioning in normal social activities. Conditions of a psychiatric nature could include schizophrenia, stress, psychosis and depression. Sensory disability Sensory disabilities affect how people interact with the world around them, the most common being hearing loss, vision impairment or speech impairment.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:58:39 +0000
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