Disability Laws

Abstract

Historically, the disabled, as a population, have largely been socially isolated, undeserved, viewed as a burden, and either confined to their homes or institutionalized. Disabled individuals have also been frequent victims of abuse, crime, and discrimination. However, in the more recent past, societies and governments have begun taking steps to protect disabled individuals and their civil rights. The enactment and enforcement of disability laws are important measures in effecting this change. The definition of the word "disability" will vary depending upon the purpose for which it is being used. Legislation often provides different definitions of the word "disability" for the purposes of the laws being enacted. However, in general, a disability is a physical, cognitive, emotional, developmental, sensory, or mental condition that restricts an individual's abilities. Disabilities vary in degree, severity, duration, and obviousness. The disabled have been described as the world's largest minority. The United Nations estimated in 2006 there were 650 million individuals, or approximately 10% of the worid's population, living with a disability. In the United States, there were approximately 36 million disabled individuals in 2009. As a minority population that is often misunderstood, there is a resulting stigma and discrimination against disabled individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)