TOPIC 3: ABILITY AND DISABILITY AS A DIMENSION OF

DIVERSITY

“With just the right attitude, we have the ability to change the
wrong perception, towards those with disabilities.”
– Robert M. Hensel

In the previous topic, you learned of the primary and

secondary dimensions of diversity. Truly, man is different in
many aspects. Agree? In this topic, there is yet another
dimension of diversity that you need to understand. Read
along and see for yourself!
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. describe the meaning of disability in the context of diversity; and

2. demonstrate understanding about the significance of knowing what disability is all about.

LET’S LEARN

ABILITY VS. DISABILITY

Another dimension of diversity that is significant is the dimension of ability and

disability. Diversity covers the limitless domains of an individual’s unique characteristics,
experiences and capabilities. Diversity encompasses respect and tolerance of differences that
enables a celebration of uniqueness.
According to Collins English Dictionary, ability refers to the possession of the qualities
required to do something; necessary skill or competence, or power. Disability, on the other
hand, is defined by the World Health Organization
(WHO) as the umbrella term for impairments,
activity limitations, and participation restrictions,
referring to the negative aspects of the interaction
between an individual (with a health condition) and
the individual’s contextual factors (environmental
and personal factors). This definition underscores
that disability is not only a health issue, but also an
issue that affects a person’s state in life and the
environment he/she is in.
A person’s self-identity and his/her
perspectives of the world around him/her are
affected by both ability and disability. The
American Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) defines “a person with a disability is a person who has
a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This
includes people who have record of such impairment, even if they do not currently have the
disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a
disability.
Disabilities may affect one’s senses or one’s mobility; they maybe static or progressive,
congenital or acquired, formal (affecting the shape of the body) or functional, visible or
invisible” (Couser, 2005)
A person’s disability makes him or her a unique individual who is, at times, shunned
from places and activities. They have to be acknowledged as part of the spectrum of diversity.
They have to be recognized as human beings who should not be discriminated against, but rather
understood, accepted, and tolerated. They have to be accorded their rights. Disabilities have to
be seen as a natural part of life and a natural part of diversity. People with disabilities have to be
perceived and accepted as people with distinct abilities. They have to identify themselves as
having disabilities so that the world can accept them and create avenues for them to live.