The Different Disabilities

Since it would be impossible to cover every disability, the intent of this guide is to give faculty an overview of the most common disabilities on campus.  Although the characteristics as well as the challenges each disability type may have, it would be a mistake to infer that any two students with the same disability have the same set of needs or challenges.  People with disabilities tend to be just like their peers without disabilities, they vary from person to person in skill level, intelligence, creativity and personality. 

The term disability is synonymous with the term handicap as it is used by the Federal government in Section 504.  There has been much controversy over the use of the two terms, but generally it has been accepted that a disability is a medical condition or impairment, while a handicap is the position one is in because of the disability.  That is, a handicap is a result of one’s environment.  A person with a disability need not be handicapped. 

What are learning disabilities?

What are mental or psychological (disorders) disabilities?

What are visual disabilities?

What is a mobility impairment and dexterity limitation?