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Types of Disabilities


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Learn more about the disabilities related to certain health conditions:

In the news:

American women today have many roles and are busy juggling families, friends, and careers. Did you know that 28 million of these women are living with disabilities? Disabilities are physical and mental limitations that come along with different health problems. The Department of Justice defines disability as:

  1. any physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitor-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; or

  2. any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

In general, the severity of a disability is described in terms of how much it limits one’s daily activities. As the number of older Americans is steadily rising, so is the number of those living with a disability. But, women are more likely than men to be limited in the amount or kind of major activity they can perform.

Some of the challenges faced by women with disabilities include:

  • physical barriers (poor access to enter buildings, a lack of transportation and support services to keep appointments, run errands, or receive medical care)

  • financial barriers (having lower wage jobs and no health insurance)

  • lack of reliable health information and services that address their needs

Here you will find a wealth of useful information for women with disabilities, caretakers, health professionals, and researchers.

Last updated: August 2004


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