Encouraging Disability Awareness in September

This September, the LHI is choosing to spread awareness for individuals with disabilities. One in 4 U.S. adults – 61 million Americans – have a disability that impacts major life activities, states this CDC Report. Below are a few basics about disabilities and further resources for anyone looking to learn more.

What is a disability?

According to the CDC, "a disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions)."

Types of disabilities include:

• Vision
• Movement
• Thinking
• Remembering
• Learning
• Communicating
• Hearing
• Mental health
• Social relationships

What is an impairment? 

According to the CDC, "impairment is an absence of or significant difference in a person’s body structure or function or mental functioning."

Types if impairments include:

• Structural impairment
• Functional impairment
   

Resources on Disabilities and Impairments

• Disability and Health Overview
• International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

• The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities

For more resources, please email your questions to an LHI librarian at health-info@osu.edu, or call us at (614) 293-3707. All information is free and confidential.

The Library for Health Information is here for you. To find out more, visit the LHI webpage.