Impairment

In Disability Studies, a clear distinction is made between impairment and disability: an impairment refers to physical, mental or sensory differences – for example, the absence of a limb, impaired vision or a chronic illness. Disability, on the other hand, arises solely as a result of social conditions: for instance, when buildings are not accessible, information is available only in visual form, or prejudices exist in everyday life. These social barriers result in people with impairments being disabled and excluded from participation. Disability is therefore understood as a socially constructed problem – not merely as an individual deficit.